We’re incredibly proud of our apprentices we have here at Athona, so this National Apprenticeship Week we are celebrating some of the great apprentices who have recently graduated, and see what they have learnt during our time on their apprenticeship. Below we meet Alice, our Operations Apprentice.
What were you doing before you started as an Athona apprentice?
Before my apprenticeship with Athona I was at Sixth Form completing my A levels and alongside this, I also had a part time job as a sales assistant at Debenhams.
What made you choose an apprenticeship scheme in recruitment?
My apprenticeship was in Business Admin, which I thought would be a good apprenticeship for a number of reasons. Firstly, it gave me a great insight and knowledge of the business, as well as the chance to build on my admin skills. I also got to work within various departments in Athona which I really enjoyed. It was great because there is the option to progress and move within the company if there’s another role that interests you once you complete your apprenticeship.
How have you found your apprenticeship at Athona?
I have loved completing my apprenticeship; I felt supported during the course of it, especially under the circumstances of having to work from home for most of it due to Covid19. I had regular zoom meetings with my apprenticeship mentor who was very helpful in guiding me through the course and was always available when I needed advice.
How has the support and guidance you received whilst completing your apprenticeship been?
I received a lot of support during my apprenticeship. I communicated a lot with my apprenticeship mentor, having regular phone calls and zoom meetings. I also had support from my own team. My manager would help with any work that I needed support with, and other team members would cover for me when it was time to do apprenticeship work.
How did you hear about the Athona apprentice scheme?
Athona was at an apprenticeship fair that was held at my Sixth Form. I also then saw their apprenticeships being advertised online.
What part of the apprenticeship did you most enjoy?
I really liked the project side of the apprenticeship as it gave me the independence to research and work on a project that would benefit the company, which was really interesting. I also enjoyed the meetings I had with my mentor over the course of my apprenticeship, as it was nice to get to know each other and have regular catchups to discuss work and how everything was going.
What has been a highlight of your role?
Working with a great team that have supported me throughout my apprenticeship and have given me an insight into what it’s like to work for the Operations team.
What have you learnt most about during your time at Athona?
I have had a great insight into how a recruitment agency works, especially the Operations team. I have loved working in a very supportive team with people who have been really helpful to me throughout my time in the business. Especially when working from home, it was good to know that I still had the support if needed.
What advice would you give to others looking to start an apprenticeship?
If you are thinking of starting an apprenticeship, go for it! I had just come out of Sixth Form with not much work experience and from being an apprentice it has given me the opportunity to learn lots of new skills and now know what it’s like to work in an office environment. It is also a way to earn as you learn and you get a qualification from it, which will look great on your CV.
Have you recently received your A-Level or GCSE results and are now looking for a job role where you gain a recognised qualification, workplace skills and earn as you learn? Find out more about Athona’s apprenticeships here.
