Here at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust we pride ourselves on offering a range of apprenticeship opportunities for people looking to gain hands on experience whilst also working towards a formal qualification. This week's theme for National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Build the Future’ - the Trust wanted to mark this by highlighting how apprenticeships are being used to build the future workforce.
I myself have been at the Trust for 2 years now, first working as a HR and Volunteering Apprentice whilst completing my Level 2 Business Administration, then going on to be offered the position of HR and Volunteering Assistant. In this role, I have been completing a Level 3 Business Administration qualification, whilst continuing to develop my knowledge and understanding of the Trust and the wider heritage sector.
Working in the HR department at the Trust, I have gained first-hand experience of how we have had to adapt to the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. This includes virtual meetings and interviews, hybrid working and training for staff in new ways of working and communicating with each other. Wellbeing of staff has also become even more important to focus on as we are all living through some really difficult times.
I enjoy being an apprentice as I get to learn theory behind administration best practice, such as verbal communication and stakeholder management, and then get to gain practical experience by applying it to my role in the workplace. I am developing new skills every week as I come across new challenges and work with colleagues in different departments.
I enjoy being an apprentice as I get to learn theory and gain practical experience...
‘Build the Future’ is a great campaign, as it is so important for young people to have access to opportunities to train, work and achieve their ambitions. Apprenticeships are a great way to do this and I would highly recommend looking out for opportunities when they come up!
For more National Apprenticeship Week content, follow us on Twitter @ShakespeareBT and search the hashtags #NAW2021 #BuildTheFuture.