Apprenticeship Spotlight: Rhiannon Howells, GloucestershireLive Apprenticeship Awards 2021 Finalist

We couldn’t be prouder of our apprentices who have secured places in the final for the GlosLive Apprenticeship Awards 2021. Meet Rhiannon Howells, one of the finalists and an apprentice at Longlevens Infant school. Rhiannon is working as a receptionist at the school while completing her Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship. 

Rhiannon, what made you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I felt that an apprenticeship was a very effective way of continuing to learn whilst also attending a work place to gain knowledge and understanding of the organisation. I had already completed Level 1 Business Admin and wanted to extend my knowledge of the course further and learn lots of new skills. By doing an apprenticeship I was able to carry on and complete the other two levels.

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

The Headteacher at my old primary school put my application forward to my current employer Longlevens Infant School. I was invited for an interview and was offered the position.

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

As a school Receptionist, my day consists of dealing with parent queries, answering emails and phone calls and responding to enquiries from other agencies and organisations. I also complete jobs asked of me by members of staff and the Senior Leadership Team. I allocate time for studying within work time and I also set aside time each week so that I am able to complete the course work required.

What is the best thing about your apprenticeship?

The best thing about my apprenticeship is that it is a very busy role that allows me to learn new things all the time. I am able to extend my knowledge of the organisation and pick up new skills and tasks along the way.

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

My line manager has supported me by setting up time for our regular reviews to ensure that I am always making progress. This is also really helpful because it means that if I am not comfortable with something it gives me the opportunity to raise the issue, which we can then discuss and sort out.  

My college tutor has supported me by coming out on regular visits and during Covid via Microsoft Teams. Another way in which she has supported me is through regular reviews and by making sure that I am on track and coping with the workload set.

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

My career ambitions are to progress to a manager’s level and then become a Managing Director of a company. I aim to use the skills that I have gained through my Business Administrator apprenticeship to help me reach these goals.

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

Yes, I would definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship within my industry as it allows you to progress further and learn lots of new skills. This means that you are constantly learning new things and expanding your knowledge of the organisation and the multi agencies that are involved.

We wish Rhiannon all the best in achieving her future goals. If you are interested to learn more about our apprenticeship programmes and the opportunities they present, 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.