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National Apprenticeship Week 2023 - #ApprenticeWednesday

We are halfway through National Apprenticeship Week! We all know how amazing apprenticeships can be, but we want you to hear it from our own apprentices – Meet Tim and Poppy.

Tim, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Level 3 apprentice  

1. Who is your apprenticeship with and for how long?
My apprenticeship is with Bucher Municipal, the world's leading supplier of municipal vehicles for cleaning and clearing work in public and private traffic areas. I started my apprenticeship in September 2020 and am due to finish in Summer 2023.

2. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? 
I explored the University route by visiting options such as Brunel and Nottingham Trent but didn't like the idea of getting myself into a lot of debt. I wanted to get on the career ladder as early as possible and an apprenticeship allowed me to do that. 

3. What are you enjoying most about your apprenticeship? 
I've enjoyed the variety of moving around and learning different areas within the business, from the production line to testing products. I've also had the opportunity to have additional training which has helped with college coursework.  

4. Why would you recommend an apprenticeship? 
You're getting paid to understand how the industry works  - I've learned firsthand how a company works from the bottom to the top. 

Hairdressing Level 2 apprentice, Poppy

1. Who is your apprenticeship with and for how?
I recently started my apprenticeship with Dare Hairdressing in Reigate in September 2022. 

2. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? 
Rather than starting on a Level 1 college qualification, I wanted the in-house, hands-on experience of learning in a salon. From school, I knew I was a visual learner, so being able to participate in practicals has helped me focus on tasks and the delivery of service.

3. What are you enjoying most about your apprenticeship? 
It would have to be learning new techniques and styles for cutting and colouring hair. It's really interesting because no two clients will ever want the same style. I've also been able to develop my softer skills which include communicating with colleagues, time management and teamworking. 

4. Why would you recommend an apprenticeship? 
From personal experience, I would say the apprenticeship route is just better - I'm gaining a recognisable qualification whilst working in a salon.

Could the apprenticeship route be for you? Find out more here.