Ellie Knight

1. Did you go straight into your Apprenticeship from school? 
   No, I realised too late into Year 11 that an apprenticeship was what I wanted to do. I attended sixth form for 2 weeks before realising it was not for me. I transferred to Abingdon and Witney College to complete a Level 3 in Events and Tourism. I was halfway through my first year when I came across this apprenticeship vacancy. I quickly realised it was perfect for me and I made the decision to apply. After getting the job, I discussed with college and they presented me with a great option to finish my first year qualification alongside starting my apprenticeship. After a couple of months, I had finished my qualification and made a successful start to my apprenticeship.
    
2. Why did you choose to do an Apprenticeship?
   I have always learnt better hands on and visually so in that sense, I knew an apprenticeship would best suit me. Not only that but with an apprenticeship, you earn a salary, get real work experience and skills as well as gaining a qualification. 
    
3. How did you find out about your Apprenticeship?
   I wasn’t actively looking for an apprenticeship but I came across it on the GOV.UK website. 
    
4. What have you gained from your Apprenticeship – skills, experience etc.? 
   I was already an average communicator but my communications skills have improved so much during my apprenticeship. It has also made me realise how vital communication is and how many things can go wrong without it! I am more confident since starting my apprenticeship and this has helped me to take opportunities that I would have never even considered before. I have also gained some basic PA experience and this has definitely made me think about my future career plans.

   I cannot even begin to measure how much I have developed both personally and professionally. I’m sure the people closest to me would agree that this apprenticeship has made me a better person in every aspect.
    

5. What has been your proudest moment so far from doing your Apprenticeship? 
   Being a finalist for the ‘Special Recognition Award’ in the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2021 is by far my proudest moment and has reminded me how far I have come since the start of my apprenticeship.
    
6. What do you plan to do next? 
   I have a couple of ideas in mind at the moment. Possibly to complete another apprenticeship (this time more HR focused) or to progress into a Grade 4/5 role within the University.
    
7. How will your/has your Apprenticeship helped you to achieve this? 
   My apprenticeship has given me all of the skills I need to progress further into the administration world. I can confidently say that after adapting to work from home (and start my role from home), I can adapt to pretty much anything! This means that whatever I decide to do next, I am sure I will adapt well and make it work.
    
8. What advice would you give someone who might be thinking about an Apprenticeship? 
   My main piece of advice to anyone would be to do your research! If you have a specific career in mind, make sure that an apprenticeship can get you to where you need to be. I would also advise you to know what the job role will entail and work out whether it will be a good fit or not.

   Apprenticeships are a lot easier to complete if you enjoy them!
    

9. What advice would you give an employer who is considering employing an Apprentice?
   Employing an apprentice will be beneficial for everyone. They will become a valuable member of the team and become someone that everyone can rely on. 
   Apprentices can also use social media to share achievements, events and overall give great publicity. This will attract more potential apprentices and show that working for your company as an apprentice will be a great experience. 

I am more confident since starting my apprenticeship and this has helped me to take opportunities that I would have never even considered before.