Tuesday 16 February 2016

You haven’t seen the last of me!

Hello all,

I have now completed my level two apprenticeship! I’ve had eleven units to complete, a few of which were mandatory, but I also had a choice to pick other units as well. They included Administrative Services and Customer Service. I completed all of these units by providing evidence of the examples I had previously discussed.  I provided evidence for my customer service unit by taking a photograph of the leaflet stand, where I display the leaflets that demonstrate the services of the Lab clearly, so our customers have all the information they require. This has now been completed and signed off, what a relief!

One aspect I have particularly enjoyed about my apprenticeship has been starting a new journey and challenging myself. I have found it very rewarding being able to earn a wage as well as studying and building my very own portfolio.

However my time as an apprentice has not been easy. When I started there were some aspects that I disliked. I was experiencing many changes and I struggled to adapt to my life when I first started working at the Business Lab. These changes were exciting as well as frightening. It was a completely different environment than I was used to at Newham College. This soon became a strength of mine as a few weeks in, I had grown to really enjoy working at the Lab with my new colleagues.

My role at the Lab involved the responsibilities of an administrator and receptionist has taught me how to deal with many different types of customer. This was something I was not confident about at first, but I have faced it so many times I have come to enjoy it.

Another struggle I have come across has been completing my portfolio, as my functional skills took a while for me to complete.  The units are very detailed and all of the questions needed to be answered clearly and very informatively as well as being supported with evidence. Fortunately, I completed my portfolio a week before the final deadline!

I chose to do an apprenticeship because I found it difficult to get a job, even though I had plenty of admin experience. I felt very down and just wanted an opportunity, so I took part in a full time voluntary programme with Newham College for two months. I then found out about this position which I thankfully applied for and got the job! This position has taught me so much, from volunteering to then beginning my apprenticeship and jumping straight in at the deep end!  I am so glad I was given this opportunity because I have learnt so much!

So my future involves a level three apprenticeship! Yes I’m doing my level three now!
I feel as if I have achieved so much this year and wish to do more so I can hopefully secure myself a contracted position at the College!

I am hoping this New Year will continue to teach me different things and provide new experiences as well as knowledge.  I am hoping that in eighteen months from now I can be happily telling you that I have completed my level three apprenticeship! These qualifications have made a huge difference to me as a person as well as academically. Please wish me luck!


Jen x