Customer service apprentice, Adam, has achieved a great deal in a short while – in this blog, he outlines his employment journey so far and gives a few top tips for would-be and newby apprentices…
I’d faced several barriers in education until I found my apprenticeship, which I truly believe provides me with so many opportunities. I wanted to share my story in the hope that it might encourage others to explore this route.
I joined Mitie as a customer service Level 2 practitioner because I’d been at college for a few years and had been getting bullied. My parents said it was time to get an apprenticeship that could lead to a future career and I agreed. A full-time job was coming up at my dad’s work at the HMRC site in Newcastle and following a three-week trial, to make sure I liked the job and to see what the team thought of me, I got news from my manager that I had performed extremely well and he wanted to offer me an apprenticeship – I was delighted!
Some days can be challenging. I have Autism and ADHD, which affects how I learn. But nothing stops me – I keep fighting my battles and breaking barriers to show the world it doesn’t matter if you have disabilities, you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Believe in yourself and it will pay off in the future. I see it as an ability not a disability.
One of my main tips is don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is key for apprentices to learn from asking colleagues or managers. If you just guess, you might do it wrong. Best way is always to ask. There is no such thing as a silly question – just remember that.
Take ownership of your apprenticeship. Make sure to get the right resources for your level and take the initiative, don’t just ask your manager as this could slow your learning.
I joined the Association of Apprentices in August and went to one of its apprentice-led social events in Newcastle. I had a dream of running my own event, and when I have dreams and goals, I hope that they come true… and it did! I did my own social event, everyone really enjoyed it and gave it some amazing reviews. I hope to run more in the future.
I also joined The North East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network as an Apprenticeship Ambassador. I’m looking forward to everything it has to offer, like going into schools and talking about my apprenticeship journey and attending conferences across the UK.
Apprenticeship Top Tips!
- Tip 1: Pay attention to workplace mentors
- Tip 2: Be enthusiastic about the tasks you have been set.
- Tip 3: Get to know the people you are working with.
- Tip 4: Don’t be afraid to ask any questions.
- Tip 5: Take ownership of your apprenticeship.
- Tip 6: Organise your time.
- Tip 7: Always be reliable and punctual.
- Tip 8: Be an independent learner and proactive.
- Tip 9: Keep a logbook of jobs you complete in the workplace.
- Tip 10: Try and invest in your apprenticeship by getting the appropriate resources.
Remember it’s your apprenticeship – work hard and get the most out of it!
