Turnin' up the heat!

Hello everyone!

Aaatchoo! Yes I am still recovering from a horrible virus. The weather seems to be confusing me. One day it is really cold and the next it is feeling quite warm! British weather, eh?

Well at least the heating is on at the lab and keeping me nice and toasty while I work on my units. I am seriously a busy bee. The countdown has begun, Christmas break is only a few weeks away and my aim is to finish all my units before the holidays!

The Business Lab has been running really well, busy with lots of users.  We are especially hectic on Wednesdays as Mr Richard Salmon from Enterprise 4 London holds free business advice appointments at the Lab.

We have lots of new faces, stepping into the world of entrepreneurship with guidance from both the Business Lab and Enterprise 4 London! Would you like to open a business? Look into our entrepreneurship business start up courses to find how to make that dream a reality. You know where I am so don’t be shy, pop in and see me. 

http://cipsonline.com/entrepreneu-articles/entrepreneurship-courses/

So, at the moment, I am working through my Business Admin compulsory units. I have been completing the knowledge side of things, so I can gather as much evidence as I can to put into my e-portfolio and show how I carry out work within my role at work.

The evidence can be anything, such as completed work assigned, emails on work being given to me and me completing and providing proof on how I have completed it.

Bye for now!

Jen xxx

Brrrringing in the changes

Hello everyone!

How quick has this term been? The weeks have flown by. We are already into November and it is so cold. I have a terrible flu so excuse the sniffles!

The heating is on very high at the Lab, to keep all of our wonderful members nice and warm while they’re busy working away. Our users and security are sipping away on hot drinks everywhere you turn. It seems that winter is fast approaching!

As you are all well aware, Money Works is going to be sharing our space at the Lab. Things are slowly falling into place. Work is being carried out on a small scale, so our lovely Lab members are not getting disturbed. Apologies in advance if the Lab sometimes gets a little bit loud with work being carried out. There is not long to go until they officially move in! I’m excited to see the new changes taking place, don’t forget to let me know what you think. It will be great to have a busier Lab and welcome some lovely new faces!

Stay warm and talk to you soon!

Ciao for now!

Jen

Mi casa su casa!

Hello All!

If you have not already heard, the exciting Business Lab news is that Money Works are moving in to take over half of the shop. Money works are a Newham Council initiative, an ethical and affordable alternative to high-cost short-term credit firms, who exploit residents with extortionate rates of interest. The Lab is set to become even busier!

The Business Lab has been functioning as usual, with all of our lovely Business Lab members keeping me busy and making good use of the wonderful Lab, even though we have had some work taking place preparing for Money Works moving in. There is still a lot to be done, so keep up with the progress of the Business Lab right here!

I have more good news, all my exams are now complete and I have passed with flying colours. I have been feeling very proud as all of my functional skills exams are done and dusted. That means I can concentrate on completing all of my units so I can have my portfolio completed by early January. That will mean the end of my one year apprenticeship. I shall keep you posted and let you know how it’s going!

Wish me luck guys!

Jen x

Watch this Space

Hi All!

Sorry I have been away for so long, the Lab has been really busy over the last few weeks. Some of which is due to some exciting changes to the Business Lab – watch this space!

Although the Lab has not had a full events calendar, is has been full of new businesses. The hot desk opportunities have continued being very popular, while many entrepreneurs have been using the Lab to meet clients. In addition, I have been signing up lots of budding entrepreneurs to the Exploring Entrepreneur taster day here at the Lab and the three week Steps to Enterprise course at Newham College’s East Ham Business Lab.

The Exploring Entrepreneurship taster day takes place on Thursday the 17^th of January but there is still time to drop by the Lab and sign up for both the Exploring Entrepreneurship and Steps to Enterprise courses.  

Since the project ended with our East London Business Place team on the 31st July, I have been running the admin side of the Lab. Last Friday I returned to the College and it was lovely to see all my colleagues and fellow apprentices. Everyone is doing well!

While being at the Lab I have also made a start on my unit work for my apprenticeship, and feel happy with my progress at the moment. My current units are based around my experiences at the Business Lab. For example delivering customer service, employee responsibilities and communication in a business environment. I have been providing written evidence of these in my coursework and uploading work to my e-portfolio for my assessor to have a look at.

Keep up with the Business Lab and see what goes on over the next few weeks. I am super excited!

Jen x

Brrrrring on Summer

Hi All,

I hope everyone has enjoyed the lovely weather because it seems like summer is already over in Stratford, we have turned the AC off at the Business Lab. Brrrr Its cold!

The last week has been very hectic, we have been running workshops every day. We have been holding one and two day workshops about different types of marketing, it has been very interesting.

We’ve had some excellent feedback, with attendees chatting about how effective some of the strategies can be. It has been fantastic and really busy. There have been a lot of people attending the full day workshops and equally a large amount of people using the hot desks. We have even had a couple of budding entrepreneurs attending with their parents to gain more knowledge and business advice.

We have a calmer week ahead of us as the number of workshops has decreased, so come on down!

Bye for now,

J

Supply and Demand

Hello all!

You will be pleased to know that I am back in the working routine and the holiday blues have gone (for now).

On Thursday 9th July we had our last Supplier Showcase event and it ran as brilliantly as the first one, even though we were all struggling due to the tube strike. Luckily we had all of our suppliers show up and plenty of visitors came along too! A great turnout as always.

 

I have been recruiting for the business start-up course. Which seems to have gone very well as the final course is being run at the moment and its full up, so my hard work has payed off. The next course is in September, so I have a little break until I have to start recruiting again!

My journey here at the Business Lab is coming to an end and I am so glad to have been a part of this project. I have learnt many irreplaceable skills on this adventure! All of the wonderful people I have worked with at the Lab mean so much to me and I’ve had some great experiences. I grant myself to be super lucky to have been part of it all. Thank-you Business Lab for giving me this chance to shine! J

Love Jen xxx

Work like an Egyptian

Hi All!

I’m back from Egypt; I had a great time and absolutely loved it. The locals thought I looked Egyptian, I think I fit right in.

I started back at work on Monday morning and straight away the holiday blues kicked in. I did miss my colleagues while I was away but now I miss Egypt a lot more.  I think I should start planning my next get away.

I had a relaxing and quiet Monday as the Lab wasn't too busy. I just got on with some data entry while trying not to daydream so much. Tuesday we had our Business start-up recruitment day and it was absolutely crazy in the Lab. We had back to back events and it was very busy with hot desk users, but I’m proud to say we got through it and signed up a high number of learners for our next lot of business start-up courses.

In other news, we are in the middle of Ramadan. I have two more weeks of fasting left and it is very tiring. Wish me luck and I am looking forward to Eid.

It’s finally Friday! I’m going to spend my weekend looking at photos and dreaming of my holiday!

Love Jen x

Social Media apprentice takeover!

Hi, my name is Oli Fitzgerald, and I have taken over Jennifer’s blog this week! I’m 20 years old and for the past year I’ve been at Newham College completing an apprenticeship in Social Media & Digital Marketing.

For me, the possibility of an apprenticeship came around when I was 18 years old and on a college IT course that I wasn’t enjoying as much as I first imagined. My attention quickly turned to the idea of an apprenticeship. I knew that through the apprenticeships regime I would be able to gain some valuable work experience while earning a salary at the same time.

I left college and started a Level 2 Business & Administration apprenticeship at my local council in Essex. After completing the apprenticeship, I knew I would be eligible to progress onto a Level 3 which offered a varied range of routes. I chose Social Media because of its continuously expanding market and the genuine interest I have for it.

This is where Newham College came in. I found the vacancy posted on the apprenticeships site and applied straight away. I have to say, out of a number of applicants I was very lucky to get the role and am still fortunate to be able to work in an environment that offers support on a daily basis, while being respected as an employee.

Each day, I’m working in the college’s apprenticeships unit. I have the opportunity to manage the social media side of things as well as filling in on general admin tasks. All in all, I’m gaining more experience every day, which is helping my career development and professionalism.

An apprenticeship cannot be passed without completing the main framework that comes with the qualification. I’m lucky to be supported and well looked after when it comes to my study days. Each Wednesday is my designated ‘NVQ day’ where I am given the choice to work at my desk in the office or seek out a quieter surrounding in one of the college’s training rooms. The framework can be really quite enjoyable. The work includes having the chance to create your own website to show off work on a made up social media profile and much more.

The apprenticeship offers some really exciting progression routes. Upon completion, I’m hoping I can use the experience and skills gained to find a role in the Social Media & Digital Marketing sector to get a full time job.

I hope this has given you a different insight into the life of an apprentice!

Oli

Blank Holiday – A Bank holiday blur!

I have had a very entertaining two weeks.

My first week was with the lovely Finnish work experience girls Maiju and Sara. They helped me get lots done including some admin bits. We also enjoyed some of the lovely warm British weather! The girls have returned to Finland just in time for their graduation, which is a nice end to their month working hard in London. Congratulations girls! I wish you all the best and thank you for all your fabulous help at the college as well as the Lab. Näkemiin ja onnea!

My second week has also been very exciting! Guess who’s going to be in the prospectus? Yes, you guessed it- ME! The paparazzi won’t leave me alone…but I think I’m slowly getting used to all these snaps! The lovely college marketing team came down to the Lab to take a few pictures. Yes, I am very excited!

As always I have been a busy bee while over at the Lab but this week I have also been helping out at the College alongside my study days. I have some exams coming up soon, so wish me luck! I hope to pass with flying colours.

My apologies in advance. Next week I’m off to Egypt and I will be unable to blog, but I can’t wait to tell you all about it once I’m back.

Luckily a fellow apprentice of mine; Oli, will be stepping in and giving you a snapshot of his time as social media apprentice. So watch this space!

Bye!

Supplier and Demand

Hello all!

The Lab has been doing super; we’ve had some great results this week with lots of interest from many different businesses and people wanting to attend courses.

This week I’ve had my hands full with the Business Start-Up Recruitment Day and the Supplier Showcase. Both events went very well. I am extremely happy that all my hard work has paid off!

Recruitment Day

A lot of people came along to the recruitment day who had previously booked appointments, but we still had people coming in from the Jobcentre querying about our courses, which was a bonus! In the end we had 12 people join our course that very day. I was delighted and my manger was very pleased with my commitment to the cause.

The Supplier Showcase

Our second big event of the week! It was a vibrant and colourful event. All of the businesses on show are based here at the lab or work with us. A variety of businesses from party planners to cake bakers exhibited! A yummy event indeed! It was absolutely manic but it ran very smoothly. We had some very happy business owners that had a brilliant day. Lucky me even got the chance to have some face painting done by the wonderful Amanda Jenner who runs her own business called Just Like My Mummy. You can see for yourself how artistic she is (pictures below). Yes- I kept it on all day… and loved it. Thank you Amanda!

Until next time

J

x

To Finnish the week..

Hi All!

I’ve had a very Finnish week!

Sara has been GREAT! She has helped me to run the Lab efficiently and effectively, we have been very productive! We have constantly been keeping each other on our toes!

She has even updated the boards on the walls so it’s easier for businesses to promote their products and services.

There are a lot of accredited training courses taking place at the moment so if you would like to attend, give me a call and book with us as soon as possible!

Anyway, I will hand you over to the lovely Sara…

Hello there,

My name is Sara and I am 19 years old. I am from Finland and I live in a small town called Hamina.

I study tourism and this is my third and last year, and I am about to Graduate this May and I will be a professional travel counselor.

Maiju and I are staying with a really lovely lady in East Ham. I am really enjoying living in London and am looking forward to exploring more of it. We are going to do some more sightseeing at the weekend, I can’t wait! J

I am enjoying working at the Business Lab and the tasks I’ve been given like talking to customers, keeping the lab tidy, photocopying, and arranging events!

One of the main challenges is the language barrier but I am becoming more and more confident with my English everyday I’m at the lab!

From next week I will be in my official work experience spot over at Thomas Cook, so if you want to see how I’m getting on pop by and book a getaway! Finland it lovely this time of year! J

You say Maiju, we say Helena!

Hi all!

What an interesting week it has been. I have had a talented young lady who has come over from Finland to do some work experience here at the business lab! Her name is Helena and she is working with us for three and a half weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for more from her right here!

Hello!

My name is Maiju. (Called Helena at the Lab, as it is easier to say)

I am 19 years old and from Finland. I am studying business and administration and am going to be completing and graduating at the end of May this year.

I have never been to London before, this is my first time and there is so much to see here. I have only been here a few days but have been out every day of the week. Yesterday my friend Sara and I visited Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, it was huge and I loved it!

The Business Lab is a nice place to be and I am glad I am here to complete my 3 week work experience. All the staff are lovely and have made me feel really comfortable. Everyone is really helpful. I have been working with Jennifer and she has been assisting me and assigning me work.

I have helped with many different tasks, such as photocopying, basic admin, assisting the business advisors with filing and setting up for weekly workshops. I am looking forward to working with the customers, but this week I have been taking a back seat and watching how Jennifer deals with them. The only downside is I struggle a bit with the language barrier but am lucky that I have Jennifer here to help me out.

Speak to you guys very soon!

All the best,

Helena 

  xxx

P.s Don't know anything about Finland? We have over two million saunas!

(Busy)ness Lab

Hi All!

What an eventful week I've had at the lab!

We have had 100% attendance and excellent results from our Business Start-up courses! There has been lots of interest over the last few weeks and it’s amazing to see the results with such high numbers attending!

The Business Lab is getting busier and being noticed more by the public. The Stratford Centre is the perfect place to be. We have a lot more workshops that are taking place on a weekly basis and these are filling up fast. The marketing team are advertising extremely well and we are always fully booked. So if you would like to attend one of our workshops, book yourself in straight away before you lose your spot.

As always, study Fridays are my relaxing days away from work when I completely focus on my apprenticeship coursework. I am currently finishing off the functional skills side of things but that should be completed very soon so I can concentrate solely on my units that are relevant to my work at the Business Lab!

I have an exciting few weeks ahead as I will be having a Finnish work experience student helping me out in the lab! An extra set of hands is always helpful!

All the best,

Jen

 P.s – I hope you know Finnish otherwise my next blog post might be hard to read.

'Tis The Season?

Hello All,

So as usual, the last week has been busy here at the Business Lab!

We have been hosting the business start-up taster days in order to recruit for the two week course Exploring Entrepreneurship at Newham College. We have achieved high volumes of positive feedback and have had some very happy customers.

There have been a lot of business driven people interested in beginning their very own adventure. Maybe it has something to do with the wonderful weather?

Study Friday was a packed day of Functional Skills. I really feel each week is making a difference. As well as getting on with that I also completed one of my units! Once it has been checked with my assessor it will be ready to load onto my portfolio!

My target for this week is to carry on with recruitment for the next Business Start Up taster day!

Wish me luck!

Jennifer

The Best of Both Worlds

Hello all!

Back to work after a relaxing summery weekend! Hope you all enjoyed yours! J

I’ve had quite a busy few days at work, 2 days at the Business Lab and Friday studying at the College.

On Wednesday I was getting the Lab up to scratch. I did some admin duties, spring cleaning through our leaflets and making some new copies. Our Events page for April is updated again and filled with fab workshops for our SME Businesses, come and have a look and grab your copy!

Thursday I attended the Job Fair with Colleagues from the college at Stratford Town hall to promote the college courses as well as the Business Lab. My main aim was to introduce the lab to people who didn’t know or knew very little about it, as well as promote the business start-up courses which are starting up again very soon.

On Friday I was studying back at the College and met the new trainer of functional skills, and carried on with some more unit work. I get the whole day to focus on my studies and I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to be an apprentice.  I get to work in a professional environment while learning at the College and working towards my qualifications.

#BestOfBothWorlds

Catch you all next week for my next post!

Jennifer J

Absence makes the heart... you know the rest.

Hi All!

Sorry I have been away for so long. Just a quick one to say hello!

I had an absolutely fantastic Easter break - busy yet very relaxing, I Hope you all had a lovely break too! J

Wednesday was my first day back working at the Business Lab. Cracking on with promoting our business start-up courses blew away my ‘back to work blues’, and I’m back to my usual self helping all the Lab users with whatever they need.

All is back to normal again here as well, we’re open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm.

My next post will be up Monday next week with a longer update.

Until then, happy reading! J

Smells Like Team Spirit!

Hi all!

I have been a busy bee this week dealing with all Business Start-ups. Know anyone that wants to start a business? Refer them my way, over here at the Lab!

Workwise it’s been busy, getting used to all the new changes that take place here weekly. Also, I’m now working as part of an Admin team - I have a new colleague! An administrator who has started at the Lab working with me to help with admin duties and getting things done together! 

It’s been great having someone to support me in my work here. I’m also learning a lot from them, and the experience will help me in the future as well.  

From now on the key project I am working on is the Business start-up courses. If anyone is thinking about opening a business take this intensive course that will give you all the information on how to run a business. This 2 week workshop is run by two business entrepreneurs who know exactly what they’re talking about!!

Jx

Ofsted Inspection for Apprentices!

So this week has been nerve wrecking for all apprentices, as well as the Apprenticeship team, at Newham College as we have been inspected by Ofsted.

It was a very casual but official meeting with all apprentices alongside an Ofsted inspector. Everyone was feeling a bit weary of how it would go, but as always Newham college apprentices have topped it! J. We have received excellent reviews and feedback and that just makes us feel even more proud of what we are all doing.

A busy Lab this week as always! Just getting on top of everything with all the workshops happening and promoting our new business start up courses!

I have met with my assessor for my NVQ and am finally getting on top of it all. I have picked my units for my Business Administration Level 2 and will be starting that up very soon. Straight after getting my functional skills out of the way. Wish me luck! J

I am in the Newham Recorder!

After my interview last week with Mark Shales, I am in the Newham Recorder this week. 

It came out yesterday and there’s a double page all about apprenticeships and my journey to the Business Lab as an apprentice.

Feeling all blush at the moment with a very proud family by my side and my colleagues who are extremely happy to be working alongside a celebrity (as they keep saying)!!

If you haven’t seen it yet - grab yourself a copy or click here J

#ApprenticesMakeADifference!

Apprenticeships Breakfast of Champions!

Meeting Di Gowland, Principle, Newham College London 

This morning we had a breakfast event at The Business Lab for local SMEs, to introduce the benefits for businesses taking on an apprentice just like myself. J

It was also another perfect opportunity for SMEs to network, as well as enjoy the delicious breakfast that was laid out by the fantastic catering team at Andrew's Catering!

Small businesses found out all they needed to know from the Apprenticeships team about the type of apprenticeships available, how to take on an apprentice, the benefits for both the business and apprentice themselves. 

The Principle of Newham College London, Di Gowland was also at the event and it was a sincere pleasure to meet her (and she loves my blog). It was an amazing feeling to be a part of such an event and for me to be recognised by everyone as an example of a successful apprentice.

Keep a look out for more exciting events, Especially this week as it's National Apprenticeship Week! J

 

I'm going to be a Newham celebrity :)

Me being photographed by the paparazzi

Hi all!

Sorry about last week, I was so unwell I was off work for a few days and had to miss our big official launch event. I am back to work now though and fully recovered from horrible food poisoning! Back to reality, feeling better and getting on with lots of new exciting stuff! 

It was a busy week in the Lab last week, getting ready for our Business Start-Up taster day. Registering people and getting them on board for the second course so they can learn how to set up their business. The taster day had very good feedback and I know we will see these start-ups back in the Lab again soon.

The exciting part of the week for me was being interviewed by Mark Shales, a Journalist at The Newham Recorder. He came in to shadow me and find out about my apprenticeship at The Business Lab as part of a feature for National Apprenticeship Week 2015. A photographer also came in alongside Mark and snapped many pictures of me whilst working. I felt like a celebrity he took so many! Being shadowed by Mark made me feel a little nervous at first but once he saw how busy the Lab gets he stepped back and just let me do my thing ;)

This week we have so many events taking place at the Lab for National Apprenticeship Week! Tomorrow there is a breakfast hosted by our Principal Di Gowland, for employers to come and learn more about apprenticeships. Wednesday is a workshop for Fashion & Tailoring apprentices to learn how to set-up their own business and on Thursday an apprenticeship recruitment day for anyone wanting to find out more from our Apprenticeship team. 

If anyone is thinking about doing an apprenticeship I would highly advise that you do. And, if there are any businesses out there looking to take on an apprentice, please do so because it gives young people, like me, a chance to improve themselves whilst at work! Need any information? Pop by The Business Lab and come and see us! J

Jennifer xx

Di Gowland launching the Lab

A great night had by all,
was sorry to have missed it

Our first Networking Event at the Lab

So my second week at the lab is complete, and I must admit the pressure has really been on.

The lab has been a lot busier than the first week. A lot of business users are coming in to use the space for meetings and I have fully booked out the diaries of the Business Advisors.

My second study week was also of great benefit to myself. I had to write up an organisation table, which goes towards my level 2 and has actually helped me break down and understand a lot more about what my department does. 

Last week was our first main networking event for small businesses to come and meet up with other small business and our business advisors. My role for the night was to meet and greet our guests, take the opportunity to tell them what we do here at the lab and get then to register with us! It went extremely well, nearly everyone that signed in on my table registered! Woohoooo! And there was yummy food and drink laid out by the fantastic catering team!

It was definitely the highlight of my week knowing that all our hard work preparing for this event had paid off and the event had gone fantastically well.  The Big Official launch is tonight, but I have not been feeling great so can't be there - but I wish my team and everyone who goes a fabulous evening J

 

Week one at the Lab

Well I have just completed week one at The Business Lab and it is proving a very popular place to be. Everyone walking by just wanted to know what we are about and what we do here. It's been very exciting, even though I felt like a tape recorder at times constantly repeating myself :) 

All the excitement this first week, has been exhausting but in a good way! There is a lot to take in and many changes that I have had to adapt to. 

I am at the Lab Mondays to Thursdays and on Fridays I am at the college studying towards my qualification. I had my first study day last Friday since my apprenticeship began and feel very fortunate to get this time out from work to put all my energy towards my studies.

This picture is of our first Women In Business Connect session and tomorrow we have our first evening networking event, so am sure I will be busy getting everything organised for that. Will let you know how it all goes in my next update - wish me luck!

Hi and welcome to my first post.

Up until July 2014, I was actively looking for an admin job but a few months had passed and I’d had no luck finding a job. An opportunity came along for me to do 4-weeks, full-time work experience at Newham College and I was just really happy that someone had given me the chance to start building myself up again.

I began my placement in November and then a Business Administration apprenticeship came up, so I thought why not go for it. I was never previously interested in apprenticeships because I always thought I had enough experience to get an admin job straight away. I now realise this is the place I want to be in, this is the place I would like to grow and work for and am getting a qualification at the same time.

I am very fortunate that I am now an apprentice for the College working on one of their latest projects The Business Lab (that's me at The Business Lab in the picture). This experience is amazing for someone who is just starting up, and beginning to find out where they want to be in the future.

Am looking forward to updating you on how I am getting on, so hope you will continue to follow my journey.