The Inside Scoop on Apprenticeships - read on for Shaniqua’s story #NAW2021
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we spoke to Shaniqua, a Business Administration apprentice for the Greater London Authority (GLA), the team that help bring the Mayor’s policies into action. We met Shaniqua a few years back on The Prince’s Trust Programme at Lambeth College, and she’s been up to a lot of impressive things since, including being one of our Young Facilitators in Spiral workshops. Read on to hear all about her thoughts on the world of Apprenticeships, how the pandemic has shaken things up, and some top tips for thriving as an Apprentice.
Shaniqua at Spiral’s Suatainable fashion event ‘Atmosphere’ at The Horniman’s Youth Lates Party, 2019
How have you found the overall experience of being an Apprentice?
I’ve loved working in the organisation and the best part is doing work that’s purposeful and has an impact. I’m part of Team London & Sport, with my role involving various administration support to help the team run smoothly, such as assisting with the creation of documents or taking meeting minutes.
It’s been a great and really unique experience. I have my high and low days, but overall have been extremely happy with the apprenticeship I chose and the team I’m working with. I started off doing a lot of introductory sessions to the GLA and quite a few HR workshops. More recently, my workload is quite a bit more and I’m doing a lot more practical tasks which is a complete change - I’ve really enjoyed the mix.
How did you find out about the apprenticeship opportunity?
There are lots of different ways to find an apprenticeship. I was already working at the GLA as a peer outreach officer and knew I wanted to carry on similar work, but also wanted some kind of education without going back into it full time. I spoke to my network and they advised me about apprenticeships, and particularly this one. The main other useful source for applying for apprenticeships is websites, such as the .gov website which has a huge range.
“I’ve never done well in more mainstream routes of education; I thrive better in practical and applied areas, and apprenticeships are perfect for that kind of learning. It’s taught me more skills that people actually use in the workplace, in a learning style suited to me.”
Would you recommend an apprenticeship over other routes of further education?
I would really recommend apprenticeships. You get loads of practical skills alongside the theory, which I really enjoy. I’ve never done well in more mainstream routes of education; I thrive better in practical and applied areas, and apprenticeships are perfect for that kind of learning. It’s taught me more skills that people actually use in the workplace, in a learning style suited to me. For example, I can now give you a tonne of examples of where I’ve practically used Microsoft softwares in work, which if you’d have taught me in a school format, I wouldn’t have picked up.
My work-to-learning balance is that I have roughly one day a week of learning with college, the hours of which I split up throughout my week. I use a study and work plan to keep the balance, and use a to-do list website to sort out my priorities.
Success in an apprenticeship is dependent on you and whether practical and applied work is the kind of thing you are suited to. I can imagine a challenge of apprenticeships might be that it’s hard switching from full-time education to working at 16 - it’s a young age to make that full transition, and a short amount of time to learn a lot. But an apprenticeship is definitely a smoother transition than going straight into full-time work.
Shaniqua in professional attire, pre-pandemic
How has the pandemic affected your apprenticeship?
I started the apprenticeship the day before lockdown last March, which was great because it meant I’ve had something to do! Doing a remote apprenticeship is very different to what it otherwise would’ve been. I’ve become grateful for small things, like not having to worry about the weather or commute, and avoiding workplace small talk. I’ve also learnt the skill of remote working which I think is going to be increasingly important for the future.
The GLA have been really focussed on wellbeing since the pandemic hit, which has been great. It’s been a good time for businesses to take note of that kind of thing, which is quite different to how it was before in office culture.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to apply for an apprenticeship?
Go for an apprenticeship that sits in the sector that you enjoy and where you want to be. Also, have someone else look over your application because they can help to improve it and spot things that you may have missed.
Be very open and honest about what kind of apprenticeship would work for you, especially at the moment where everything is so unsure. Utilise study and work plans to keep organised. And never be afraid to ask for help, because that’s how you learn and everyone has been in the same boat at some time in their life.
“never be afraid to ask for help, because that’s how you learn and everyone has been in the same boat at some time in their life.”
Do you think young people’s access to apprenticeships could be improved?
Before this year, I’d heard of the word ‘apprenticeship’ but never actually knew what they were.
Often the only route schools show you is the academic one of College and University, which doesn’t work for a lot of people. Instead, schools should educate young people about alternative routes, like apprenticeships. Particularly now, and because of the pandemic, apprenticeships are a better option for young people who need the practical element of learning and aren’t getting it from what is now ‘normal’ education.
So, what are your next steps?!
I’ve learnt a lot about myself doing this apprenticeship; mostly it’s helped me understand what kinds of environments work best for me. I know I want to stay in the public sector. I’ve had the chance to speak to people in a range of different roles and, surprisingly, I’ve loved the administration the most! I’ve found out what really drives me, which is having meaningful work, and being able to see positive outcomes out of the work I do. Remote working has really suited me as well, so I know I’d want the balance and flexibility to work from home at times. Something that ties all of that together would be the dream, hopefully continuing at the GLA!
A huge thanks to Shaniqua for giving us such insightful and informative chats about apprenticeships. We are so proud of all that she is doing, and wish her luck in her next steps!
Spiral support young people to access apprenticeship and work experience opportunities. If you are an apprenticeship provider and would like to offer some of your opportunities to our youth community, please get in touch via opportunities@spiralskills.co.uk, or through our socials @SpiralSkills. We would love to hear from you.