Modern Apprenticeship Success Stories

Apprenticeship
 Success Stories

Finlay Thomson Robertson

Optical Practice Support Apprentice at Specsavers



Finlay found the optical sector to be incredibly interesting so, after leaving college, he began working at Specsavers Edinburgh Blackhall where he undertook a Modern Apprenticeship in Optical Practice Support. During this time, Finlay found a real interest in the physics behind light refraction and was picked for the branch's employee appreciation award. Due to Finlay's hard work and the amazing support from his assessor, he has now completed his Modern Apprenticeship and is continuing his role at Specsavers Edinburgh Blackhall.

Leah Kelso

Cultural Venue Operations Apprentice at Stirling Castle


What made you apply for an Apprenticeship?

"When first seeing this Apprenticeship, I knew I wanted to do it as I had a keen interest in historical venues and also tourism. I wanted to learn as well as gain experience working in this sector and I believe this is an Apprenticeship that sufficiently supplies both."


How have you found the Apprenticeship journey so far?

"Fantastic! Everyday’s a learning day with new situations and obstacles to overcome. It's also been great fun with a friendly team around me helping along the way, and plenty of support with my coursework."


How do you think this Apprenticeship will benefit you in the future?

"Not only have I grown in confidence because of this Apprenticeship, but I have also grown as a person. I now understand what makes a good work ethic and I have gained the experience I need to be able to work within the tourism industry, especially in a cultural venue."

Nicole Henery

Business and Administration Apprentice at KC Group Shipping


What made you apply for an Apprenticeship?

"I was at university doing nursing, before realising it was not for me. I started looking for jobs but then realised I could also do an apprenticeship. When I looked into this I was really keen on this idea and the vacancy opportunity."



What was the proudest moment of your apprenticeship journey?

"Being nominated for Modern Apprentice of The Year. Also for finishing my apprenticeship earlier than expected."



What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

"Just do it! If anyone has any worries when leaving school because they think there is only college or university, don't worry there is an alternative. Modern Apprenticeships are a great way to learn with a lot of support."

Serena, Cultural Venue Operations Apprentice

What made you apply for an Apprenticeship? 


"I was finishing my studies and was looking to get more practical experience, that would also allow me to work within my community. I applied for the apprenticeship as it was a great opportunity for me to be able to work and get experience within a field that interests me and learn from different segments of the sector."


In your experience, what are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?


"The great thing about doing an apprenticeship is that you get to enter working environments with the mindset to learn and you get to meet and work with people from different roles and sectors."


How was the support from your assessor throughout your apprenticeship?


"My assessor has been very supportive throughout my apprenticeship - we have adapted to different working environments and paces of work as and when needed."

Amy, Optical Practice Support Apprentice

What made you apply for an Apprenticeship? 


"I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted work experience and a qualification. It meant I could get paid and get experience at the same time."


In your experience, what are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?


"Apprenticeships give you the experience, the qualification and a salary. I can get first hand experience rather than the theory."


What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?


"I would say absolutely do it. You can learn and work at the same time, which gives you the opportunity to do more."


Abbie, Business Administration Apprentice

What made you apply for an Apprenticeship? 


"I was very keen to get working within a medical admin setting and an apprenticeship was the best option for me. Before my apprenticeship, I was at college studying medical administration."


What was the proudest moment of your apprenticeship journey?


"A proud moment I have had is receiving loads of great feedback from my line manager who advised me of how well I was doing and how well I have picked up the job."


What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?


"Go for it! It is the best decision I have made and you don't realise how much you can learn in a short period of time."

Grant, Social Services and Healthcare Apprentice

"Before I completed my Modern Apprenticeships in Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 6 & 7, I was working as Care Assistant supporting residents with their everyday needs.  The main skills that I have learned from my Modern Apprenticeships is the importance of teamwork and leadership. It also broadened my knowledge base and improved my problem solving skills and assessment and evaluation skills. A Modern Apprenticeship gives you a platform to build on future studies and it also gives you the confidence to be inspired to greater things. I now plan to complete an HNC in Social Care and see where that takes me.         


I would definitely recommend Rewards Training to others. The support I received was tailored to meet my needs and delivered at a pace that matched my ability. I was never scared to ask questions. I am now in an acting Team Leader position and do not doubt that the MA contributed significantly to my success. I also gained a credible and accredited SVQ qualification recognised by the care industry.I thoroughly enjoyed completing my MA and I know that I have benefited in ways that I might not have, had I not gained my SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6.


 As a young male working in the care sector, I can highly recommend this as a career. The best bit of my job is my role as Activities Coordinator, making the residents happy in their final years by taking them out on day trips and creating more memories for them. They absolutely love it and I know I’m adding value and happiness to their lives. It’s hugely rewarding!"

Natalie, Business Administration Apprentice

What made you apply for an Apprenticeship?


"I wanted to be able to learn on the job and build new skills. Before my Modern Apprenticeship, I had completed my HNC in Administration and IT and worked in a local pub part-time."


What was the proudest moment of your apprenticeship journey?


"Being able to help patients on a daily basis."


What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?


"Being able to work and gain a qualification at the same time is something I would recommended to anyone."

Abby, Business Administration Apprentice

"Before I started my Modern Apprenticeship I had just finished college and had started working in a part time job packing boxes in a factory.  Since completing my MA, my IT Skills have improved greatly as well as learning how to use a number of different systems. This will help me with future career as I plan on staying in the administration sector. I would definitely recommend a MA/SVQ to others as it has helped me gain a wide range of skills and boosted my confidence when it comes to dealing with members of the public.  


I would recommend Rewards to others as it was a very easy and straight forward process, my assessor was great and would always be an email away if I ever need help with anything. The thing I liked most about my apprenticeship experience with Rewards was that it was all workplace based this meant that I could do my work and gain a qualification at the same time which was great!


Since completing my MA I have now been promoted to Training Services Coordinator and feel that my apprenticeship has helped me greatly with settling into this new role. "

Ross, Cultural Venue Operations Apprentice

"My assessor was nothing but helpful and friendly throughout my entire qualification. My qualification was 100% worthwhile, I loved it. They now have a new duty supervisor, ME! Beautiful venue for the Awards Ceremony."

Lauren, Business Administration Apprentice

"After deciding I didn’t want to go to University and not being happy in my current job at the time, I applied for an apprenticeship to see what opportunities were available.  My apprenticeship  helped me understand the job role a lot better rather than being thrown in at the deep end. 


 I like that the apprenticeship was more practical learning than theoretical, it helped me to grasp things faster. Since completing the SVQ I have gained a lot more responsibility in my team and I have autonomy to plan my own day. I have taken on more important tasks in the workplace such as carrying out credit checks on clients.  I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to others. If you don’t know what your next steps are yet then an apprenticeship is a good platform to a lot of different career paths."


Karen (Connect Appointments) – 

“Investing in the younger generation gives great benefits to future of the company."

Kaitlin, Business Administration Apprentice

"Before I started my Modern Apprenticeship I was a play assistant which was not what I seen as a future career so going down the MA route was appealing. The main skills I have learned from my MA is it has widened my knowledge of Microsoft packages and increased my confidence in using these. I have also become more confident within myself in the workplace by answering the phone etc. I've also become more competent in using internal and external systems which allows me to get my work done quicker.


I thoroughly enjoyed completing my MA with my assessor Leanne and I think it is important to have a close bond with your assessor as they are there to help you out. With Leanne's help we even managed to get me finished earlier than anticipated. Rewards truly strive to put the candidate’s first and assessors do all they can to help out their candidates which I see on a day to day basis in the company. The apprenticeship scheme is very rewarding and being able to gain a qualification as well as earning at the same time is extremely appealing. 


I would recommend a MA to others as I found it enjoyable and it truly helped me within my work at Rewards. I am now more competent in my role and seen as a valuable member of the team."

Ryan, Business Administration Apprentice

"Before I started my Modern Apprenticeship, I was at school studying towards my Highers and working part-time at Matalan. Frustrated with school, I was trying my best to find a career opportunity. Luckily enough, I found Rewards who placed me with my employers, Virtuo Wealth Management. As an apprentice, I was responsible for all the daily admin tasks, such as answering the telephone, opening and scanning the mail and sending out the post. I also completed more advanced tasks such as creating annual review paperwork for when advisers went out to client meetings and contacting providers to receive information on client’s policies.

 

Since completing the MA with Rewards I have begun studying to become a Mortgage Adviser! I am excited about my future career prospects and I would 100% recommend a Modern Apprenticeship to anyone, especially to those who are in the same situation that I was in. It was a great start to my career and has given me a good footstep into the financial services world.

 

The whole experience has been great and I cannot thank all the staff and my assessor enough who have helped me through it."

Sarah, Business Administration Apprentice

"Before I started my Business Administration MA with Rewards I had just finished school and was working on reception at Farne Salmon. After 2 years on reception, I'm now a commercial assistant within the sales team and I'm working towards completing my second MA with Rewards in Customer Service!


As a receptionist, I had a very important role of being the front face of Farne Salmon as I was the very first person people would see when entering the building. Other responsibilities included dealing with customer queries by answering the phone, by email or face to face. In my current job role, my responsibilities include all the daily administration tasks, analysing everyday data to ensure everything runs smoothly, along with many other responsibilities.


I would highly recommend a Modern Apprenticeship to anyone who is thinking about it. Both my apprenticeships have taught me a lot about my job, what I do and I have learnt various new skills. A Modern Apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn on the job and to get a qualification whilst also earning money. A Modern Apprenticeship can be hard work but the feeling of completion and receiving your certificate is amazing! I can't thank my assessor Jennifer enough  for all her help and support that she has given me while completing my Modern Apprenticeships. I also have to thank Farne Salmon for giving me the opportunity, as if it wasn’t for all their support I wouldn’t be sitting writing this now."

Lisa, Business Administration Apprentice

"I applied for an Modern Apprenticeship because the idea of being able to complete a qualification and earn money at the same time really appealed to me. My apprenticeship gave me a much better understanding of my role, working towards the units and explaining things in more depth practically. Completing an apprenticeship gave me more confidence in a professional business environment at quite a young age. My role has developed a lot since completing my SVQ, I am now responsible for chasing outcomes for the magazine which is a crucial part of the publishing process. An apprenticeship gives you a lot of opportunity to develop yourself and decide what career path you want to follow. You also earn while your learn which is a massive benefit."


Marianne (DC Publishing) – 

“The apprenticeship process extended Lisa’s knowledge and helped us gain a reliable member of the team who we can continue to train and grow.”

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