What inspired you to choose an apprenticeship as your next step?
I wasn't always the cleverest or most academic student at school. I struggled with certain subjects which meant I had to work hard to get the grades I needed to study business after school. After I had completed studying at school and college I was unsure on what my next steps would be until I found out about Visionpath and their mission for getting people into apprenticeships. I am now nearly at the year mark of my apprenticeship with Visionpath and couldn't be happier to be a part of the team!
"Throughout the process of applying and getting to learn more about the apprenticeship and who Visionpath are, I was more than sure this is what I wanted to do!"
What kinds of things do you get up to in your role? Any tasks you especially enjoy?
There are a lot of different things that I enjoy about my role. One would be the communication and support that I offer to each candidate through our processes. This allows me to use my confidence and communication skills to help provide them with any problems that they might be facing. I find that being an apprentice myself, I can understand the worries and uncertainties that they might be feeling through their process and give some advice of my own. Being able to support on programmes is always something I love to do and learning some new skills that I might not of known before, this makes me a stronger part of the team and helps showcase to my team that I am willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
What’s been the standout highlight of your apprenticeship so far?
I would say the support of my team around me. From the start of my apprenticeship with Visionpath, I have had nothing but the best support from all of my team which has allowed me to grow within myself as well as feel a part of the team. Being able to learn all the different programmes and where I know my skills can come through and help support wherever I can. From the start of my apprenticeship to where I am now, I feel so much more confident within myself and the knowledge that I have gained, which has allowed me to help step up and take responsibly of different things when needed.
"My apprenticeship has been fantastic and I can see a clear difference within myself from where I was, to where I am now."
Have you come up against any challenges during your apprenticeship, and how did you navigate them?
I have definitely made some mistakes during my time as an apprentice, but this has only made me stronger and shaped who I am today. Making mistakes is the best way to learn and will help you improve on how you complete things going forward. Making mistakes is part of being an apprentice, and definitely not something to be afraid of! By being able to take accountability of any mistakes or errors that have been made is always important in your own personal growth, having a good team around you will make this process a lot easier as it is very important to ask if you are unsure of anything!
What’s helped you feel supported during your apprenticeship?
My team at Visionpath. Without their support I would definitely not feel as strong and knowledgeable as I am now. I am grateful of the colleagues I have around me as I know if I ever have any questions, that they will always make time to go through something with me. I also find that I like to have a certain routine to make sure I keep on time and track with the things that need to be done each day. By having a system that works for you is always something that I will recommend to anyone as long as it helps you complete your tasks and remember anything that is important.
What moment made you realise you’d made the right decision choosing an apprenticeship?
I would say when I was able to step up and help the team during a very busy period. There was a lot of different programmes all going ahead in various different stages, and I was helping alongside where I could. The moment that made me realise that I had made the right decision in doing an apprenticeship with Visionpath, was when the work I had helped produce throughout had been recognised, and that everyone in the team was very happy with my contributions.
"I am beyond happy and want to keep working hard to prove myself!"
Connect with Katie!
Here at Visionpath, our Ambassador Community is more than just a network, it’s a movement. Our ambassadors are current and former apprentices who are passionate about making a difference by sharing their real-life journeys to inspire the next generation.
Are you a current or former apprentice who wants to get involved in the movement? Email ambassadors@visionpath.co.uk to get started.
