Name: Emma Swan

Age: 20

Qualification: Business Administration Apprenticeship Level 2

Work Place: P J Stiles Plumbing & Heating Ltd

I left school in 2001 and worked in retail; I then tried hairdressing for a year and decided it wasn’t for me. I tried catering for six months to earn some cash and then went to work in a factory which was good money, but very boring.

I have always wanted to work in an office so went to Connexions for career advice and to see what jobs they had to offer. I found a job advertised through Fareport Training Organisation. Fareport told me about apprenticeships and a position they had available with P J Stiles. I went for an interview, but I didn’t think I got the job. I didn’t feel confident at the interview at all. I couldn’t believe it when the job was offered to me!!

A couple of weeks after I had settled in, I met my Assessor from Fareport Training. She explained everything about the apprenticeship and when she would visit me. I went to Fareport once a fortnight for my Technical Certificate training and my Assessor came in to see me at work on a regular basis. She would observe me working in my workplace following all Health and Safety regulations, which is one of the units I had to cover. She would also observe me on the computer using Access databases, Word and Excel.

I enjoyed the working towards my qualification, some parts were better than others. I enjoyed the Application of Number (AON) and achieved this qualification by the Assessor involving tasks actually relating to my job, which made it more realistic and interesting.

I feel that I can phone my Assessor anytime, as she is very supportive. I really like working for P J Stiles and I have had very good reviews and feedback. I have also, received a pay rise and they are thinking of promoting me and employing another office junior.

I would definitely recommend doing an Apprenticeship through Fareport. I feel more confident and happy in myself knowing that I am achieving my goals in my career and looking forward to having a great future.