Apprenticeships – Skills for my life

Blog by Russell Dowers, Head of Business Development & Account Management at Total People, National Apprenticeship Provider

We’ve all heard of ‘apprenticeships’ and can conjure up a vision of a young, inexperienced 16-year-old learning a ‘trade’ which they then practice for the rest of their life. However, that’s no longer the case; apprenticeships have changed to accommodate a much more flexible approach to a career. I should know, as that’s how I became an apprentice! Industries are now more heavily involved in designing the courses through trailblazer groups which gives a much better experience for the learner and employer. 

My apprenticeship started at the grand old age of 26. Not so young, and not so inexperienced and yet with no clear direction on my career. Not so different from many in their mid-twenties.

Why should you read on? Because this is my story as a fully-fledged apprentice with ten years’ experience. Oh, and because National Apprenticeship Week seems like the perfect time to focus on it.

Why an apprenticeship?

For me, it was an opportunity to ‘learn on the job’. Like many young people I left school with no idea of what I wanted to do; was good at sports and design and floated into the nightclub arena thinking it would bring me joy and money at the same time. Then reality kicked in; this wasn’t the right career for me. My DJ hobby is still my hobby and for some can lead to a good career, however I quickly realised I needed more challenge and opportunity whilst keeping my music interest as a hobby. 

After a brief escape for a ‘year out’ I quickly learned that money doesn’t last long and needed to use my ‘gift of the gab’ to make money. 

I began my first Level 2 apprenticeship with a training provider and ten years and six apprenticeships later, I am now Head of Business Development and Account Management, completing my Master’s in Strategic Leadership with an apprenticeship provider. It’s been a journey of learning and discovery, which I haven’t finished yet. 

There’s not many that can say I started as an apprentice; am currently still an apprentice and I work for an apprenticeship provider helping others start their learning journey. Interestingly, my current boss has been my boss in various organisations in the further education sector over time – we’ve built up a good rapport and trust throughout the years. A good mentor is invaluable to help you grow with confidence and mine has been with me from my Level 2 up to until my Level 7 – an invaluable steer for the journey.  

Why apprenticeships?  The benefits to businesses are huge. You start with a blank page and the young person is taught and supported throughout their journey. However, as mentioned before, I wasn’t that young – I was an adult with a desire to change direction.  

I started as a Customer Service apprentice and have since worked my way through the many levels available and I’m now studying a level 7-degree apprenticeship – the levels start at 2 and go to 7 as the highest. I’ve managed to complete five levels of apprenticeship over the ten years, whilst working full time, having a baby and also studying for a diploma in design. Even I wonder how I find time for any hobbies. 

Since leaving school I had never thought I’d go back to further education. Apprenticeships had never been championed as a credible pathway like they are now, you either got a job or you went to university. In all honesty, I thought an apprenticeship was designed for someone who wanted to work in the trades. I was very wrong. 

I enjoyed interaction with people and enrolled onto the customer service level 2 programme where I quickly developed the ability to understand the wants and needs of a customer and was able to manage their expectations. I got a buzz from giving our customers a great experience and developing new business. I quickly realised this was the way to go.

Why invest in an apprentice?

It’s all about learning on the job basically; with support from an experienced tutor who provides the theory and the guidance required. That’s the nub of it. If you want to learn and want to get on and earn money, then take on board the learning offered to you. Employers benefit from a workforce that is more skilled and eager to learn and put the theory into practice which in turn increases the profit margin. It’s not rocket science. The practicality of it appealed to me and the skills I’ve learned have helped me to progress, plus I’ve implemented processes that have boosted income. 

Throughout the many apprenticeships programmes my line manager worked closely with me and my learning coach to identify where I could be given additional responsibilities to prepare me for the next level. As part of my development, I was empowered to look at ways to continuously improve the business. I was able to make recommendations because I had been given exposure to other teams and understood the role each department played in delivering exceptional customer service. 

National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect time to put the spotlight on the benefits for employers who can grow their business, and for the learner who is able to learn the skills required to progress in their life. 

It’s a win-win as far as I am concerned, and certainly worked for me. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.