QA Apprentice Katie Jago blogs about how ditching her dead-end job gave her a career in Project Management.
I left my job to do an apprenticeship because I didn’t have any real future career prospects. The only thing I was getting out of my previous job was a salary; I started an apprenticeship with QA because I wanted to get something from being at work. An apprenticeship really appealed to me ;I would be gaining a qualification without being in full time education, all whilst getting paid – RESULT!
I wanted to be in a real-life job with career prospects and routes for progression. For an 18 year old with no skills or previous experience in the sector it would have been difficult to get a job in a corporate business environment, but with an apprenticeship that is exactly what companies hiring apprentices are looking for.
I went into a business with basic computer and customer service skills. They trained me up to a level where I was as competent as the other full-time employees. I knew what sort of industry I wanted to work in but I didn’t know what exactly I wanted to do.
I chose QA as the apprenticeship provider because they offered Business apprenticeships– this way I could get a feel of how organisations are run and would be learning the core skills for someone that is working in a business environment.
Since completing my Business apprenticeships I have gained skills and qualifications that have enabled me to progress onto a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship. I now know that this is what I want to do for my career, and am currently gaining the experience and the qualifications to do it.
I strongly believe that other people who are in a similar situation to me should take up an apprenticeship. It puts you in such an excellent position for future career progression. When applying for future jobs you’ll be able to tick all the right boxes; experience and relevant qualifications. An apprenticeship also provides you with real life skills that you can take with you and use in any job, such as: communication, customer service, confidence, and professionalism. Whilst completing my apprenticeship I have developed my potential hugely and feel that I am on the right track to success.
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