Emma

What were you doing before you were an apprentice?

I had worked in retail for about 30 years, all levels including management.

Why did you decide to apply to become an apprentice.

I decided a change of career to administration and had already taken courses in my own time. The apprenticeship allowed me to gain a higher qualification combined with the work experience I needed to gain that companies ask for when applying for roles.

What qualification are you doing?

I have just completed QCF/NVQ Level 3 in Business & Administration as part of my apprenticeship. I also gained English & Maths GCSE’S & WJEC Level 2 Essential Digital Literacy Skills.

What team/service do you work for?

I currently work full time in Adult Safeguarding/DoLs Department. I have been extremely lucky during the apprenticeship to also have had the opportunity to work in various other departments to gain more knowledge.

What sort of things do you do in your job role?

My tasks include answering phone/email enquiries, minute taking, compiling reports, invoices, the use of various in-house systems to input confidential data and information, other various tasks required and helping both extremely busy teams.

What do you enjoy most about being an apprentice?

I have been extremely lucky to have worked in a few departments as part of my apprenticeship. All Carmarthen teams – CRT, Safeguarding/DoLS, Home Care, Commissioning & brokerage. I have also helped with a few tasks for housing and animal health. I have so enjoyed working in all the different departments, one for the fabulous team members I have been lucky to work alongside with and the amount of knowledge I have picked up in every department has been fantastic.

What advice/top tip would you give anyone thinking of applying to become an apprentice?

I would recommend anyone of any age going into an apprenticeship. Especially me going into a change of career after 30yrs. Being lucky to work in all the various departments made me realise what area of work I would like to be in after the apprenticeship finished. It has done wonders for my confidence, ability to work in various depts learning all new systems, meeting the most helpful and supportive people along the way. A special mention and thank you to my mentor Kerry Halpin who has been the biggest help of all. Gaining new qualifications at my age has challenged me and has boosted my knowledge, confidence, self-esteem, and employability. Also, Sally Bennett from learning & Development has been and continues to be of great support to me throughout the apprenticeship journey.

What would you like to do once you complete your apprenticeship?

I am currently acting up in a position of Business Support Administrator in Safeguarding/DoLS at the moment and when a post is available will be applying for a position within the Department.