Apprenticeships

My experience as an apprentice

After completing her Level 2 and 3 Business Administration qualification, Darcey was appointed as a Leadership Assistant. Her role involves supporting senior leaders of Essex County Council.

Written by Darcey, ACL Learner

“I have been working for Essex County Council since 2017, during this time I have completed my level 2 and 3 in Business Administration. I have gone from being an Apprentice to a Business Support Assistant and now to a Leadership Assistant. My current role as a Leadership Assistant involves supporting senior leaders of ECC. As their personal support, I am the go-to person to ensure their diary and inboxes are managed effectively, ensuring any urgent issues are flagged to their attention. I also regularly work with internal and external stakeholders, setting up meetings and collating any information that is needed. My role is very varied, and my tasks can differ each day; this role allows me to work independently and use my own professional judgement.

When I am not working, one of my biggest passion’s is travelling. I love to experience different cultures and see all the extraordinary sights that the world has to offer. I have been to Japan, Greece, Romania, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland, and Ireland. I am looking forward to finally travelling again when it is safe to do so! I also enjoy spending my time reading anything fantasy, supernatural and YA. I am a big fan of fashion and love to create outfits inspired by past and current trends. To add to this, I like to spend my time crafting jewellery, doing yoga, and cuddling my kittens - Indie & Milo!

In 2017, I was interested in working in an adminbased role, I had not previously worked in this environment and knew my best option was to look for an apprenticeship. I had looked on a variety of apprenticeship websites and had visited other apprenticeship/career agencies but had not found any roles that I felt were suitable for me. Luckily,

I came across the government apprenticeship website and found that ACL were offering a Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship with ECC.

From the start of my application to receiving an offer, I found all the ACL staff involved very helpful and friendly which made the process a lot less nerve-wracking and I felt confident in my choice.

Since then I have completed my Level 2 and 3, I secured a role as a Business Support Assistant and I am now on a secondment for a Leadership Assistant role. Without this course I would not have had the confidence and skills to progress in my career as much as I have.

I always felt very supported through my ACL experience, I was very lucky to have the same assessor, Kerry, through my Level 2 and 3. Kerry was a constant positive and helpful influence. She was always there to offer advice and made me feel confident and secure in my work.

I really enjoyed taking part in both courses and have gained an extensive amount of knowledge in the business administration area. This course enabled me to take part in project management, workshops such as dealing with stress, meditation, effective coaching skills and learning in-depth about how the business sector works.

Throughout my Level 3, I was also involved in classroom sessions with my tutor Helen. Helen made each session engaging and I really looked forward to these. She ensured everyone had a clear understanding of the topics discussed before moving to the next and gave very good examples to ensure the knowledge stuck. I passed all my Level 3 knowledge tests the first time and can confidently say Helen’s help and support really contributed to this.

If there is anyone interested in starting a Level 2 or 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship with ACL, I would 100% recommend that they try the course out for themselves. This course gives you the vital skills and experience you need for working in the business sector and it allows you to experience work life whilst studying. I found this beneficial for someone who was new to work and helped me adjust to full time working.”

ACL’s apprenticeship offer is available to school and college leavers as well as those seeking a career change or an opportunity to upskill in their current role. Find out more about our programmes by visiting our website. Complete an enquiry form and our dedicated Apprenticeships team will answer all your questions and help you make that next step.

Earlier this year, more than 100 local government apprentices came together to compete for the title of Local Government Apprentice of the Year 2021.

During this national event, apprentices faced six online activities, in teams of people they had never ‘met’ before. The activities were based around a variety of disciplines, such as networking and enterprise.

The day was designed to be fast-paced, actionpacked and challenging to observe performance under pressure both individually and within teams. Huge congratulation to Thomas, Project Officer Apprentice at Essex County Council, for being part of the winning team. Thomas recently spoke to us about his Apprenticeship experiences and how it has positively impacted his career.

I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do when I left college, I applied for multiple apprenticeships and even thought about university, I finally found a role in Trading Standards as an Apprentice Intelligence officer, I spent 12 months in this role before moving to a Buy With Confidence Project Officer Apprentice in Trading Standards.

I’ve gained a variety of new skills as well as improving some skills I already feel I had. I’ve also met a great group of people who have supported me throughout my career and taught me a lot of what I need to know within my job role.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

What impact has the apprenticeship programme had on your career?

Local Government apprentice of the year 2021

Why would you recommend apprenticeships to other people looking at career options?

Why would you recommend ACL as an apprenticeship provider to other employers?

Apprenticeships are a great way for people to get a feel for a workplace and gain experience in a job role that could be a deciding factor in someone’s career. It also gives the apprentice the opportunity to meet people with large amounts of knowledge and experience in certain roles and build up contacts that could be incredibly helpful in the future.

ACL are a great apprenticeship provider and have multiple ways for apprentices to learn and gain knowledge through college days, blended learning, and enrichment sessions. The support provided by tutors is great and they are always available if needed.

Taking part and being a member of the winning team during the apprentice of the year event is a massive highlight and gave me an insight into other apprentices’ situations across the country.

Working in Trading Standards is also a massive highlight and is a great place to work with great colleagues.

What has been your highlight as an apprentice so far?

We are continuing to deliver our high-quality apprenticeship programme throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and can help you consider different options for your business and the specific circumstances you are currently working within.

Businesses could receive funding of up to £4,000 to support them to take on a new apprentice and we offer apprenticeships at intermediate, advanced and higher levels.

To find out more about how an ACL apprenticeship could help your business visit our website.

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