Apprenticeship case study: Ella Russell, Business Administration Apprentice at Tewkesbury School

Business Administration apprenticeship

Tell us a bit about your role at Tewkesbury School

In my job role, I am on front reception at Tewkesbury school. I welcome visitors into the school and answer phone calls from parents. I also support the administration functions by doing students timetable changes, photocopying for teachers and sending out main school communications such as trip letters. I also trained to be a first aider so I am now on the school rota for any first aid requests.

What’s your favourite thing about your apprenticeship?

I enjoy everything about my apprenticeship. I am really interested in my job role and there is never a day that’s the same. What has been a bonus for me is that I have been accepted by every staff member in the school and I am not “just the apprentice” as some people have the perception of us being. We all work together and I am not afraid to ask for help even if it seems a silly question to ask! I know I can go to anyone in the office and they will help.

How did you find your apprenticeship?

I found the apprenticeship advertised on the government website and applied for it straight away. I was really impressed with the application process. I applied for the job and a few days later I had already heard back from the employer and Gloucestershire College arranging to invite me for an interview.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?

I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship! I am really glad I chose to apply. It is an amazing opportunity and gives you so many transferable skills.

Hiring an apprentices offers a wide range of benefits for employers

Julia Whybrow, Ella’s line manager and Resources Manager at Tewkesbury School shares Tewkesbury School’s experience of hiring an apprentice.

“We were looking to recruit a Business Administration Apprentice into our busy Resources Department and Gloucestershire College came highly recommended by another local business with a good apprenticeship programme for this.

“Ella joined Tewkesbury School in October 2019 as a Business Administration Apprentice and is a very valued member of our busy resources team. She is a huge asset and we are delighted with everything Ella brings to this apprenticeship and the school as a whole. Ella has the enthusiasm, drive and determination to make a difference in the lives of all our students here at Tewkesbury School.

“Young people offer new ideas and a fresh way of thinking. Ella’s talent has brought a new dynamic into the department and made us look at the long term development of the team by improving and upskilling other employees at the same time.

“Gloucestershire College’s Business Administration apprenticeship programme works well for Tewkesbury School as 100% of the training is done on our premises and the college Trainer/Assessor regularly visits Ella at her place of work.

“Apprentices are an investment in the future. Tewkesbury School would definitely recommend taking on an apprentice, as offering a young person an apprenticeship, for us, has proven to be both exciting and wholly rewarding. It is a unique opportunity for young people to experience a work environment and all that it entails, along with being paid to learn, develop new skills and gain a rewarding qualification at the end of the apprenticeship.

All apprentices at Gloucestershire College receive full support from trainers and assessors

Dianne Baker, Trainer & Assessor at Gloucestershire College explains how we work with employers and apprentices to deliver successful programmes.

“Right from the start Julia has worked closely with Ella to ensure she gets the most out of the apprenticeship and has always worked with me to ensure that the programme suits the school and the operation. It’s great to have so much synergy and supportive co-working between the workplace, the apprentice and Gloucestershire College and it means that everyone can achieve their aims.

“Tewkesbury School have embraced apprenticeships as a way of giving as many different options as they can to their school leavers and as a way of supporting their own organisation with a diverse workforce. One thing that apprentices bring to an organisation is their eagerness to learn – it’s the reason they’re there and that gives an employer a real head start when it comes to training them on their job role. The apprenticeship trainer then supports the apprentice to develop a wider scope of knowledge which informs their work and develops them within and beyond their role.

“At the end of the programme the employer usually finds that they have an employee who has become a loyal member of the team and an irreplaceable asset to their organisation.”

Apply for a Business Administration Apprenticeship

If you have been inspired by Ella’s experience, you can apply to become a Business Administration Apprentice at any point through the year. Click on the link below to apply online through our website or get in touch with our friendly apprenticeship team with any questions by emailing: apprenticeshipvacancies@gloscol.ac.uk

Apply online here: Business Administration Apprenticeship

Hire a Business Administration Apprentice for your business

If you’re an employer looking to recruit a Business Administration Apprentice for your business or upskill an existing member of staff through an apprenticeship, download the fact sheet below for more information, or contact our Business Hub team today via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or 01452 563400.

Download fact sheet for more information: Business Administration Apprenticeship - Level 3

Find out more about our Business Administration and Customer Service Apprenticeships:

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