Meet the Apprentices
The University of Birmingham Apprenticeship scheme is in its fourth year and is going from strength to strength. We are committed to providing first class on the job training, giving individuals the skills, experience and behaviours needed to strive in their department or line of work.
Meet some of our Apprentices
The University has a huge range of apprenticeship routes to choose from.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I decided to do an apprenticeship as, being a recent graduate, I wanted to gain a good level of experience in a workplace that suited my career interests, whilst also working towards a qualification. The job market is extremely competitive, especially for young people, and I think the experience gained from an apprenticeship helps you to stand apart when applying for future roles.
Can you describe your apprenticeship experience?
My role was within the Marketing and Communications team in the College of Social Sciences. From the first day, I was immersed into the team and given an increasing level of responsibility as I gained more skills and confidence. I went from doing tasks such as creating a weekly e-newsletter, to planning and project managing large scale events for the University. I had a fantastic experience and worked alongside a really inspiring team of people.
How has your apprenticeship helped you to progress in your career?
Without starting my career at the university as an apprentice, I would not have been able to progress to where I am now. I have since worked as the Digital Marketing and Communications Officer for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and am now a Marketing Officer for the College of Social Sciences. The apprenticeship provided me with the right skills and confidence to start a career, it truly was an invaluable experience.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
Knowing that I wanted to earn a living while still continuing to obtain qualifications after leaving Sixth Form, an apprenticeship was my ideal option allowing me to learn on the job, gain new experiences and kick start my career as early as possible. Doing an apprenticeship helps you obtain new skills and techniques that can be applied directly into the workplace, while also opening up opportunities for further education after completion.
Can you describe your apprenticeship experience?
My first year mainly involved being at technical college 5 days a week, undertaking practical and classroom work to complete my level 2 qualifications where I learnt lots of new skills and met lots of other apprentices from other companies. From there, I integrated into the Estates Maintenance Team where I gained a variety of experiences while still continuing to complete my Level 3 qualification plus other training courses relevant to my role.
How has your apprenticeship helped you to progress in your career?
Though I have not finished my apprenticeship yet, I know that upon completion I will have the options to hopefully progress further within the university or elsewhere in the industry. Though apprenticeship titles are specific, you develop lots of transferable skills that can be applied across multiple disciplines. Furthermore, with the basis of a Level 3 qualification, there will always be options to progress onto Level 4 or even degree apprenticeships.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I decided to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to open doors in my career whilst achieving a vocational qualification. The idea of being able to use my intelligence in a non-traditional academic way appealed to me massively because I knew I’d be able to earn whilst I learn, and gain incredible experience and knowledge in all sectors of professions. Having completed an apprenticeship in civil engineering before my business admin apprenticeship, I can’t recommend apprenticeships enough for those who want to further their skills and career development.
Can you describe your apprenticeship experience?
My experience at the University of Birmingham as an apprentice has been highly beneficial for me in many ways. I have developed my social and communication skills, had opportunities to work with different teams in the university to spark interests in my future career path, and have been fully supported in every step of my journey by my manager, team and apprenticeship advisor. I have been able to get involved with many projects in and out of my typical role and network with internal and external members of staff, which has really enabled me to make my mark.
How has your apprenticeship helped you to progress in your career?
Due to all the amazing opportunities and responsibility I was given by my manager, I was able to rise to many challenges in the School I worked in, and quickly developed into a valuable member of the team. After 7 months of my apprenticeship, an exciting job came up as Head of School PA. Despite not having completed my apprenticeship at that time, I applied for the job and was successful. I was supported by the School and my manager in the succession of this role, which meant I was able to complete my apprenticeship whilst securing a permanent job that I love.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I decided to do an apprenticeship because I felt like it matched my learning style more than University as it is more practical and hands-on learning but you still get to attend college classes and have time to research independently. Also the benefit of having a job whilst training and gaining a qualification was more appealing because it offers more security and there are more options for personal development with employee benefits, such as the POD courses.
Can you describe your apprenticeship experience?
My experience so far has been very positive. There is so much support received by Caleb and my line manager which really helps put me at ease. The opportunities I have had so far on the apprenticeship scheme have really helped develop me as a person and given me valuable skills and experiences for my future career.
How has your apprenticeship helped you to progress in your career?
My apprenticeship has helped me progress into my career by allowing hands on experience - doing the job itself rather than just learning about the role has allowed me to settle in a lot faster and develop the skills a lot faster than I would have if I went to university. The training, support of my assessors and extra opportunities such as apprentice events and the Coniston trip has really helped develop me professionally in my job role.