Meet Our Business Administration Apprentices Supporting College Operations

February 8, 2023

Picture of our students Andrew and Jessica

Level 3 Business Administration apprentices, Jessica, and Andrew are two of six apprentices supporting the daily operations of the College.

As both an employer and provider of apprenticeships, the College fully advocates the value of apprenticeships and the benefits they provide to not only the apprentice, through the development of ‘skills for life’ but the organisation and its skills priorities.

Jessica, 21, works in principalship, providing administrative support to the College’s Senior Leadership Team. Her role includes arranging and minuting meetings, organising calendars, and preparing agendas.

19-year-old, Andrew, is based in the exams department. As part of his role, he is responsible for booking exams, claiming certificates, requesting access arrangements, and preparing and packing exam papers to be sent to awarding bodies.

When asked why an apprenticeship route was their preferred choice of learning, Jessica said:

I believed an apprenticeship was the best way for me to gain experience in an office-based role and busy environment, developing new skills on-the-job.

Andrew added:

Apprenticeships are a great insight into the world of work, allowing you to gain work experience whilst also achieving a qualification. My apprenticeship will provide me with the skills and knowledge to progress in my career.

Statistics from the National Apprenticeship Service show that 96% of employers who take on an apprentice report benefits to their business, with 72% reporting improved productivity as a result.

Exams Manager and Andrew’s line manager, Wendy Tyms, commented:

Having an apprentice has really exceeded my expectations! Andrew’s enthusiasm for learning and his work ethic is impressive. He has already proven to be a real asset and a fantastic addition to the team.

Commenting on Jessica’s progress so far, Carys Bibby, Project Management Co-Ordinator in principalship said:

Jessica has already become an integral part of the Principalship team and has demonstrated fantastic progress over the course of her apprenticeship so far. It’s rewarding to see how much she has learnt and developed.

Looking to the future, Andrew hopes to continue working within a similar role with plans to progress on to a management qualification, and Jessica hopes to secure full time employment at the College to continue to build her skills and experience.

The College is currently in the process of recruiting three more apprentices, who will join the College within the next few weeks.

Business Development Manager, Paula Haigh, commented:

It is always great when we get to offer a range of career opportunities within the College through apprenticeship roles, from Business Administration and IT to Childcare. We are extremely proud of our apprentices and it’s fantastic to see so many people taking up roles with us at the College.

If you are interested in completing an apprenticeship or if you are an employer and would like to find out more about apprenticeships and how they could benefit your business, contact our Business Development Team on 01744 623521 or email businessunit@sthelens.ac.uk.