I’ve been working at Blackpool and The Fylde College as an Apprentice in Human Resources since August 2010. Before that I was studying for an honours degree in Event Management but I decided to switch to an Apprenticeship so I could get some real work experience. I think this will be much better for me in the long term.

I really enjoy working at the College, I get on well with the people I work with and there’s a good group dynamic. I’m really lucky in that respect. I’ve been given all the help and support I need to work towards my Apprenticeship too, and thanks to my Assessor, who has been amazing, and the team I work with, I’ve completed my Level 2 NVQ in Business and Administration in just 6 months and I’m about to begin Level 3.

The College recognises that you’re here to learn and do a job, not just make coffee! I’m responsible for logging staff absences and chasing up sick notes, adding new job vacancies to the website and recording any applications which come in as well as helping out with other aspects of HR. It’s an interesting role.

I’m really glad I chose an Apprenticeship at the College. I studied here straight from high school so it’s familiar, I live very close by (so there’s no excuse to be late!) and I get paid to learn. I think there’s a lot to be said for experience alongside qualifications. I definitely feel like I’m going somewhere now!