#ScotAppWeek18 – Louise Davies – My Apprenticeship Story
I was just about to start my final year at Hawick High School and had no idea what career path I wanted to follow – I changed my mind every week! I knew I did not want to go to university but I still wanted to continue learning new things and earning more qualifications. I heard about an opportunity for a Business Administration apprenticeship at Waverley Housing through the High School’s Facebook page. At the time I wasn’t sure what an apprenticeship was or what it involved but I looked into it and decided it was perfect for me. It gave the opportunity to further my learning while gaining experience in a busy working environment and also making money at the same time. The financial benefits were great as they helped me to afford my first car and pay for holidays with my friends.
My apprenticeship was organised through Borders College and I was given a mentor who visited me regularly to review my progress. In order to gain my SCQF Level 6 Certificate in Business Administration, all I had to do was put together a portfolio of the work I had done at Waverley. My mentor from Borders College assessed my portfolio. I was able to complete my portfolio during work time which meant I did not have to worry about giving up my free time.
Since completing my apprenticeship, I have progressed to the position of Housing Assistant which means I am responsible for carrying out several jobs such as signing up properties, managing rent arrears and dealing with anti-social behaviour. I really enjoy this role as I regularly get to meet new people and work with them to create happier and healthier communities. My apprenticeship greatly benefited my application for this post as I had the appropriate qualifications and also plenty experience in this kind of business. My long term career goal is to one day progress to a Housing Officer. This will mean more responsibilities however I feel with plenty of experience under my belt I will be confident enough to take on this role as I have already learned a lot already in my time at Waverley.
I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone interested in working full time as it allows you to gain qualifications and/or experience and thereby puts you in a stronger position when applying for job vacancies.
