Meet our Apprentices
You can read about the experiences of some of our apprentices below.
Scott Somerville
People Development Assistant Apprentice completing a Business Administration Apprenticeship at Farnborough College of Technology
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
Doing an apprenticeship puts me at the centre of the future role I want to have within HR. It enables me to learn through the direct application of newly acquired skills, meet other people with a wide variety of experiences within HR and allows me to put my learning straight into practice.
How am I finding my apprenticeship so far?
Currently I am 6 months into my 12 month apprenticeship having completed my full time education July 2020. As part of this apprenticeship I am studying Business Administration at Farnborough College of Technology, one day every two weeks.
There are many positives of the role. I have been able to develop my communication skills through the requirement to liaise with various different departments and external companies. I have also developed my remote working skills allowing me to understand the importance of using a variety of different technological packages.
As in all roles, there are some challenges. Due to it being only a 12-month programme it can be very intensive at times. I have to ensure that I have everything meticulously organised, e.g. ‘off the job’ training hours, completing college assignments etc. whilst still meeting all my college deadlines and work deadlines. It is, however, a challenge I really enjoy and is enabling me to develop real-world work skills that I will continue to put to good use throughout my future career.
Abbi Allen
Building Surveying Apprentice completing a Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship at University College of Estate Management
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
Undertaking an apprenticeship alongside working really interests me as it will allow me to further my career without physically going back to school. It will also enable me to put the new skills and knowledge into practice in my current role while also developing them working with colleagues on new projects within the team. The apprenticeship will give me the confidence I need to carry out my role.
How am I finding my apprenticeship so far?
I am due to start my apprenticeship at the end of September. I am really looking forward to starting a new challenge specifically in an area that is of great interest to me and I am excited to meet others that are working towards a similar goal. I understand that the apprenticeship will be challenging at times but I know that it is something I really want to succeed in and can’t wait to begin.
Megan Budge
Paralegal - Graduate Solicitor Apprentice completing a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship at the University of Law
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
Doing an apprenticeship allows me to gain and develop my practical skills alongside my work, and gives me the opportunity to put my knowledge and skills into immediate practice. It has also enabled me to connect with other students who are working in similar roles to me and connect with a variety of professionals.
How am I finding my apprenticeship so far?
Currently I am 2 months into my 24 month apprenticeship, after completed my LLB degree in July 2018 and having worked at the University of Reading for 3 years. As part of this apprenticeship, I am studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) online with the University of Law, one day a week.
The course is very detailed and extensive and covers all required SQE competencies, including Property, Criminal, Contract, Legal Services, Business and Dispute Resolution. These topics are varied and incredibly interesting to study, and lots are directly relevant to my everyday work at the University of Reading, which means I am able to implement and test my newly gained skills instantly.
It was always going to be a challenging undertaking, and it has lived up to its reputation of being an intensive and full-on course. Good time management is essential for both my working week, to enable me to condense the usual workload into 4 days, and on my study day to ensure I complete all required readings and tasks. It is however, a rewarding course and well worth the extra evenings and weekends spent in the library!
Once I have completed my apprenticeship I will be a fully qualified solicitor, registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Law Society of England and Wales, and I am very grateful to the University of Reading for the opportunities it will give me in the future.
Meena Gurung
Senior PMO administrator completing a level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship at University of West London based at Ealing Broadway.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I am currently support the management of data and I believe doing this apprenticeship which give me knowledge on how to analyse the data and report the results and make recommendations to improve business performance.
How am I finding my apprenticeship so far?
I am enjoying being part of a group where we are learning new skills such as coding on RStudio to perform the statistical analyses and learnt how to conduct hypothesis testing. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term as an apprentice.
I have just completed and passed the first module which had two online exams. I have also submitted the assignment on statistical analysis module last week. It was challenging to restart the academic journey after nearly 10 years, but I am enjoying every bit of it.
I attend the lectures in person every Monday at UWL and it is an intensive day because it covers a lot of content and classes are from 9am to 4pm and next term it will be 9am to 6pm. The lectures every week covers the 20% off the job hours but to do the schoolwork, I have used my own hours which I have claimed it back from work and manage to fit the work when I do not have the classes. My manager and mentor have been tremendously supportive and have been giving me time to do the additional work.