My apprenticeship story - Level 2 to degree

I have held the lowest of low roles you can imagine within an office environment – starting from 8 hours a day of filing - Pure filing. Oh, and don’t forget the tea.

Despite the tediousness of the work experience, somehow I found myself going back to the BPIF for more, time and time again until they finally let me have space at a desk.

I graciously accepted an administration position covering maternity leave, and although filing was still necessary the role was a real promotion from what I was used to; but the idea of answering the telephones and liaising with senior members of the team was terrifying.

A member of the training team saw the opportunity to enrol me onto a Customer Service NVQ Level 2 to enrich my knowledge and understanding of working in this environment; which would not only benefit myself as an individual, but it would make me a better employee. This gesture also made me feel as though the company were willing to invest in me, which helped me to feel as though I could be a valued part of the team.

I finished my NVQ and left the company when the maternity cover came to an end, The BPIF and I spent many years on-and -off toying with the idea of committing to one another, but never doing so until a number of failed separate endeavours brought us back together in 2014.

After finally returning permanently the company have immediately started to reinvest in me as an employee by offering me higher apprenticeship training. This is saving me the expense of a university education but offers an equivalent qualification whilst earning more than what a graduate would expect fresh out of university.

As an apprentice I feel like a home-grown member of the team and I am treated no differently to any other member of staff, the fact that the company are, and always have been willing to invest in me means that I am always willing to go above and beyond in order to repay their faith.