I previously went to Hereford Cathedral School where I completed my GCSE’s. I then continued onto Hereford Sixth College to accomplish my A levels and as I am a keen hockey player I joined the sports academy. Within the first couple of months of beginning my A-levels alongside part time work, I knew that my potential was not being fulfilled.
 
I knew that an apprenticeship would be best for me because having worked since the age of 14, I have always loved being a part of a business in reaching targets and being a team player. I applied for a position at Central Roofing and Building Services on a Business Administration level 2 programme. My first month at Central Roofing began with a 4-week induction which allowed me to get to know colleagues and their job roles and see how their departments function. The departments consisted of Procurement, Finance, Accounts, Health and Safety, Estimating and Human Resources, this gave me an insight on how Central Roofing works as a whole.
 
My daily tasks consist of covering reception duties, taking small private survey requests from customers, giving out purchase order numbers for the roofing operatives as well as booking out PPE. I also keep a daily check on all stationary requirements and order accordingly. On a daily basis, I liaise with Contract Managers and Directors to collate emails, reports and all Health and Safety requirements for site files to be completed. These files once completed go out on site to the contract managers. In order to achieve all those daily tasks, I am lucky enough to work with 3 great colleagues who are always there to help, whether it be with my Apprenticeship work or the tasks.
 
I have really liked my time so far on my apprenticeship programme and I’m looking forward to the rest of the year completing my Qualification with the help of my assessor. So, if I can leave you with one piece of advice always explore your options before you commit to anything, do what interests you the most but I highly recommend an apprenticeship because you can earn while you learn, create new friendships as well as keeping old ones.

Having not achieved the maths and English grades I hoped for in high school, this made me think there wouldn’t be a bright future ahead. During my second last year of high school, I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Making friends and settling into the new challenging environment of college at the time proved difficult; but ultimately, this defined me and helped make me the person I am today of my own accord.

Having thought about university, I questioned if I would manage to cope with the workload and if it would send me into financial difficulties. I decided that an apprenticeship was the best possible route. I persevered with my aspirations and applied for an Apprenticeship through Worcestershire Group Training Association - a vacancy in the Energy Team at Sanctuary Group. This was also my first interview for a paid job.

My role at Sanctuary sees me working as part of the Energy Team, which is responsible for processing the energy and water bills for all Sanctuary properties and office sites across the country. The team is very flexible and supportive and settling in I’ve found that everyone always has a smile and is ready to talk. I enjoy the flexibility and opportunities my role offers and say yes to every opportunity and challenge it presents – I’m always keen to make an effort and give everything a go.

I like to think that my academic journey has been the story of someone who started out shy, reserved and not sure where he was going to becoming someone confident, keen and sure of where he would like his future to go.

Finally, I would like to say that with strong commitment and dedication to succeed, success is down to our own development and willpower to persevere and to keep going with our aspirations. As they say, we are the architects of our own futures.

I knew since the end of high school that I would NOT be going to University.  I did not like the idea of lectures and the massive student debt at the end, so since then, I have been very interested in apprenticeships. After some research, I managed to find myself a few interviews and possible avenues for Business Administration. After having done Business Studies and Business Administration at both GCSE and A-level, I realised that I loved it and this was something I thoroughly enjoyed. I then found an apprenticeship with the help of HWGTA at Amada UK, which offer brilliant opportunities for young people. Since my shy, quiet and less confident days at high school and sixth form, I have now become much more confident and now working on a service hotline in Amada and enjoying every minute. I am also completing a great Administration course, which I also love and enjoy.

I have found this Apprenticeship hard work at times, but very beneficial, as I have found myself and found my strengths, as well as having gained so much experience, some great new friends and colleagues all through this apprenticeship and the brilliant course provided by HWGTA, including a very rewarding Residential trip, which I would recommended to anybody.

My parents are very proud of me and have seen a noticeable difference in my confidence and personality, through being able to voice my opinions more and become more confident in all situations. From this success, I look forward to the next challenge which will be Business Administration Level 3 and I can’t wait for the future that lies ahead.