Apprentice Spotlight: Georgia Ryland, GloucestershireLive Apprenticeship Awards 2021 Finalist

Celebrating outstanding apprentices at Gloucestershire College

It’s that time of the year again when we are waiting with excitement and anticipation for the results of GlosLive Apprenticeship Awards 2021. This year, our amazing apprentices have been selected as finalists in the Apprentice of the Year nomination.

We spoke with Georgia Ryland, one of the finalists and a Business Administration Level 3 apprentice at Brockworth Parish Council, the main government body that looks after social, economic and environmental needs of the Brockworth community.

Georgia told us about the motivation behind choosing her apprenticeship programme and her journey so far.  

What made you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I liked the idea that I could learn while I earn on the job, alongside experienced staff who would help me develop job specific skills. I recognised that an apprenticeship is structured in a way that ensures that I would learn and develop the key skills needed to help me do the job well. Because each apprenticeship scheme is tailored around the needs of the employer, I knew that I would gain invaluable experience and develop the skills that employers in the industry really want. At the end of my apprenticeship, I won’t have just come away with practical skills, I will be able to come away with the satisfaction that I have backed them up with a respected qualification.

How did you find your employer/ apply for the apprenticeship?

I found my apprenticeship advertised on the Gloucestershire College website and applied for it right away. I was really impressed with how smooth and easy the application process was. Once I had submitted my application, I heard back several days later from the College to invite me for an informal interview. Once this had taken place, I was invited for an interview with my employer.

Tell us a bit about your day-to-day job role as an apprentice, and how do you fit studying around your work commitments?

In my job role, I am on front reception at Brockworth Parish Council. I deal with the public’s enquires both face-to-face and over the phone. I am also a part of the administration functions and support the team by printing off time sheets for members of staff, updating the attendance of Parish Councilor’s to Council Meetings and inputting relevant data into our booking system. Thanks to my placement, I am now Level 3- qualified in First Aid and Level 2-trained as a Fire Marshall.

When we hold events for the community, I am required to be an event marshal and naturally am on standby if any first aid emergencies take place. I am fortunate to have my study time in the mornings at my placement, which allows me to focus on any assignments or reflective accounts that have been set.

What is the best thing about your apprenticeship?

I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of my apprenticeship and it is safe to say, that there is never a day that is the same. I love the interaction with the residents of Brockworth and I find it really rewarding leaving at the end of the day knowing that I have made a difference to someone’s day. What has been a bonus for me, is the all-round acceptance of my presence in the placement. We have a varied range of staff ages  but we all get on really well and I feel like I’m more than just the apprentice. I feel valued. I feel that as time has gone on, my responsibilities have changed – I feel that this is likely due to my knowledge expansion! I am being asked to take on bigger responsibilities and the range of things I get asked to do has also increased!

How has your line manager in the workplace and trainer/assessor at Gloucestershire College supported you through your apprenticeship?

I feel truly lucky to have landed an apprenticeship at my placement. Both my line manager and College Assessor have supported me to the highest standard so far and I cannot fault them on one thing. I feel that I can turn to either one of them with any queries I have and feel a strong working relationship has been formed and will continue to form.

What are your career ambitions for after you finish your apprenticeship?

I would love to stay in the local government field and would like to see myself in a managerial role in the future.

Would you recommend doing an apprenticeship in your industry? And why?

Most definitely! I am so pleased I took the plunge and applied for an apprenticeship. It is an amazing opportunity and enables you to have access to so many transferable skills. When it came to financial costs, there was no need to worry when being on an apprenticeship scheme as the Government covers the entire cost of my training. A student leaving Uni will face anything between £30,000 to £60,000 of student loan debt, which they’ll have to start paying back as soon as they reach a reasonable salary. I liked the idea that with an apprenticeship, you actually start earning a real salary straight away – rather than depending on borrowing money to complete your studies.

We wish Georgia all the best with the final year of her apprenticeship as well as the award nomination!

If you are considering becoming an apprentice, but not sure where to start, check out our vacancies in many highly-demanded industries and get in touch with our friendly apprenticeship team via: apprenticeshipvacancies@gloscol.ac.uk     

If you are a business owner looking to hire an apprentice, we have talented, prospective apprentices apply to us all year round. Our Business Hub team can help match your organisation with new talent to grow your business. Explore our range of programmes and contact our team via: employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400 to get the ball rolling.