Megan's Apprentice Success Story

In light of National Apprenticeship Week in the UK, we have a chat with Megan, our former Apprentice, and how she felt about the process at the time. 

When did you become an apprentice for Intertech? How long have you been with the company now?

My first day as an apprentice with Intertech was 5th May 2016, meaning I have now been here almost 6 years.

That’s amazing, you must really love the company! What position did you start your apprenticeship under, and where are you now? How have you developed?

I began at Intertech as an Administration Assistant, and I am now an Office Administrator. When I first started, I came into the office environment not knowing much about how to perform in my role. My line manager, Wayne, put in strict training plans to get me up to speed, which led me to grasp the role, eventually being able to be left alone daily with no assistance needed. Almost 6 years later, I have a much greater workload, and I am more than confident enough to assist with colleagues’ duties when required. Although my job title hasn’t seemed to have changed at this time, I assimilate an Office Managers role in Wayne’s absence.

Sounds like you have really made an impact on how Intertech works. What made you decide to take on an apprenticeship with Intertech? Was this always the field you wanted to get into?

I was enticed into an apprenticeship, knowing you have a chance to “earn while you learn”. I was offered an interview with Intertech, and shortly after, I was accepted and given a start date. Before the interview, I had read about them online and the services they provide. This appealed to me right away, as I was fascinated to learn more about their services in decorating and how they operate. I originally wanted to work within a school setting, so I was apprehensive about taking the job interview. However, since working here, I am more than happy with my decision.

Apprenticeships are often considered the way to get on the employment ladder and learn valuable skills right out of school, rather than going to college and university. Would you agree and recommend apprenticeships as a career and education path to others?

I would 100% recommend anyone to give an apprenticeship a thought. I began with a 9-week traineeship, which boosted my options when enrolling on an apprenticeship. I gave a business college course a try beforehand. Still, I opted for this path instead, and I can honestly say it was the best decision I could have made. All I will advise is to work hard, attend your course sessions, give it your best shot, and before you know it, you will already be ahead of where you thought you would be.

What was it like first joining Intertech as an Apprentice?

I was a little sceptical on my first day, as anyone usually is when starting something for the first time. I spent a few days just settling in and trying to ease off the nerves. Eventually, I felt comfortable within the business environment. The team treated me like part of their “work family”. I now wouldn’t imagine myself anywhere else, working with any other group, and feeling as settled and comfortable as I am here.

How did you find the apprenticeship process when you joined Intertech? Did you go through a particular agency or methodology to access apprenticeships?

I went through Hull Business Training Centre to eventually enrol on an apprenticeship. I spent a couple of weeks attending the college so I could do some core subject tests, which boosted my GCSE levels up to A-C grades. This didn’t take long at all. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in my apprenticeship with Intertech, attending college one day a week for business studies. It was a speedy, straightforward process for me.

It really does sound like Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to get into the world of work. How long did your apprenticeship last, and what did you learn specific skills in?

When I first enrolled, it was a Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship I started with. This lasted 12 months, attending college 1 day a week and working with Intertech for the other 4 days. During this time, I learnt how to successfully work independently and as part of a team, provide first-class communication and practically manage data and information. Before my apprenticeship ended, I had to sit some mandatory exams to gain my pass certificate. Once I had passed, I immediately enrolled on an Advanced Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, which I also did while working with Intertech. However, this course lasted 18 months due to the extent of learning targets. I gained skills spanning IT, record and document production, decision-making, planning and organising, and project management with this course. Overall, the platform created excellent knowledge on professional development within an admin role. Again, I sat some exams and received my final certificates. As soon as my apprenticeships were over, Intertech had the option of whether they wanted to offer me full-time employment or let me go. Thankfully, they asked to keep me on, and I accepted, which I had already decided that Intertech is where I hoped to remain.

Once your apprenticeship finished, what was the process to enter full employment?

After an apprenticeship is complete, your employer doesn’t have to decide to offer full-time employment. If they don’t, you receive your certificates, and you move on to finding employment elsewhere. However, they can choose to keep you within their business, which, luckily for me, is what happened. As usual, I came to work the following week, and nothing had changed, only I worked 5 days a week instead of 4. 

Is there anything you would change about how apprenticeships are carried out in the UK?

I was delighted with my apprenticeships. I greatly respect the HBTC team and the team here at Intertech for giving me such an awarding opportunity in life. There is nothing I would change about any part of the process.

That is excellent news, and Intertech is thrilled to have you on the team. Is there anything you would have done differently if you could do it all again?

When I look back to my school years, I most certainly wish I could go back and do things differently. However, my apprenticeship made me realise that going back and changing some things wasn’t what I wanted for much longer. I had a whole new chance to give my absolute everything into succeeding, which I did.