Bethan – Administration Apprentice
Bethan, 25, from Huyton, worked as an Business Administration Apprentice at Knowsley Community College and since completing her apprenticeship, has gained full-time employment as a Student Engagement Assistant at St Helens College.
After completing her GCSEs at Broughton Hall School, Bethan continued on to sixth form where she gained three A levels in Media Studies, Performance Studies and Finance.
Despite enjoying her time at sixth form, she wasn’t sure whether university would be a suitable next step for her. Bethan said, “I wasn’t sure what career I wanted and I thought that the university tuition fees were a lot of money to spend if I wasn’t sure! I originally applied to study Teaching but I didn’t want to complete a degree and still be confused at the end of it with all of the debt to pay, so I decided to take a more practical route to advance my qualifications and career by pursuing an apprenticeship.”
After completing her A levels, Bethan joined Knowsley Community College and enrolled on to a Hairdressing course, before progressing on to study Beauty Therapy. She said, “During my time at College, I also worked full-time in Asda to financially support myself during my studies. I think this was what attracted me to an apprenticeship because I have always been earning and this way I was earning a wage and gaining experience and knowledge in a new role.”
After completing her studies at College, there was an opportunity for Bethan to progress into a higher role at Asda to Section Leader. Unfortunately, after completing the in-house training the opportunity to progress did not arise and she quickly realised she was ready to move on to a new challenge.
Bethan began her search for a new role and saw a Business Administration Apprenticeship vacancy advert on the Knowsley Community College website, and applied. Speaking about the process, Bethan said, “I saw the vacancy on the website and submitted my application and CV by email. I sent it across to the apprenticeship team and shortly after I was invited in to attend an interview. The application process was very smooth and I heard back within a few days to say I had the job!”
When applying, Bethan wasn’t sure that she would be successful in gaining her apprenticeship as she didn’t have any previous experience of working in education but she identified that a big part of the job role was delivering excellent customer service, which she knew she could excel at through her experience at Asda. Eighteen months into her apprenticeship, Bethan completed her framework four months earlier than expected.
Within her role, Bethan helped with the day-to-day running of a busy office, answering course enquiries on the telephone and helping to arrange and assist with initial assessments.
When talking about her apprenticeship, Bethan said, “I loved the flexibility as I was able to complete most of the work at home or whilst working in the office. Although at times it was challenging, when I was working towards deadlines, the support that I received from my assessor and manager helped me so much. I loved having the opportunity to help students on their courses such as offering support to adults who wanted to get back into employment and it’s a great feeling knowing that I have helped them on their journey and achieving success.”
Workworld Manager, Sue, praised Bethan saying, “Bethan’s hardworking attitude and determination showed throughout her apprenticeship and to hear that she had completed her framework four months earlier than expected is no surprise! I am extremely proud of Bethan’s contribution to the WorkWorld team. Her apprenticeship has allowed her to develop both professionally and personally and has given her the confidence to excel in her role.”
Since completing her apprenticeship, Bethan successfully gained a permanent full-time position as Student Engagement Assistant supporting the apprenticeship team to recruit apprentices and support others who are looking for an apprenticeship.
In her current role, Bethan creates and uploads vacancy advertisements to the National Apprenticeship Service website, shortlists candidates for each position, ensuring the role is right for them and they are the right fit for the employer before liaising with both the candidates and employers to arrange interviews. In addition to her apprenticeship tasks, Bethan also works closely with the College’s events team and takes the lead on the department’s finance procedures and general administration duties.
If you would like more information on how to search and apply for an apprenticeship, please contact our apprenticeship team on 01744 623521 or appenquiry@sthelens.ac.uk.