Jade Willets
Customer Services
Can you describe your apprenticeship experience?
Prior to my apprenticeship I was a very quiet individual with a limited skillset. Over the course of a year, I was exposed to areas of business which I would never experience in a standard job. As I progressed, I began to lead on projects, organise events, deliver presentations, and enhance my workplace skills. Upon completion of a Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship, I secured a permanent position with a brand-new job role. When I was presented with the opportunity to undertake the CMDA, I grabbed it with both hands and didn’t look back.
How has your apprenticeship helped you to progess in your career?
As a younger person with less experience, it was daunting to imagine joining such an established workforce—especially considering many university staff are very experienced and highly educated. My apprenticeship was a perfect way to ‘get my foot in the door’, and kick-start my career. Having my achievements acknowledged at the BUAFTAs has really enhanced my profile at the University. It dawned on me that I was easily one of the youngest people in the room, and to be recognised (and taken seriously) as an individual among 8,000 staff was an unbelievable feeling.