Have you ever wondered what a typical day looks like for an apprentice?
Well, our Business Development Administrator (and organisational guru), Hannah, is here to show you a day in the life as she completes her degree apprenticeship with Digital Innovators!
So, Hannah, introduce yourself!
Hiya! I’m Hannah, the Business Development Administrator here at Digital Innovators. I provide support to the team in all areas, as well as reaching out to employers and partners about the work we do.
I am also currently studying as a degree apprentice in project management which I’d love to tell you more about…
What does a typical day look like for you?
To start the day, I usually review my plan of what I need to do, and check in with my manager and some other members of the team to provide any updates or discuss any tasks that are coming up.
I often have meetings with employers and other stakeholders, as well as catching up on any admin. I also incorporate my apprenticeship studies into my working week, so I will plan time to work on this too.
What does a more exciting day look like?
For me, it’s exciting when we run events with our students and employers (such as our recent workshops for The Ideator). It’s great to see everyone getting involved after months of conversations and organisation!
During these events, I will often assist with set up and welcoming students and employers, as well as organisation prior to the events – which includes liaising with stakeholders, employers, students, etc!
I also enjoy attending study sessions for my apprenticeship where I can learn new content. I get the chance to apply what I’ve been working on day-to-day to my studies, work with other apprentices, attend lectures and study sessions, and complete my coursework – all of which goes towards obtaining my degree.
How do you balance your studies with your work?
I usually spend one day a week, or two afternoons each week, studying towards my degree apprenticeship. I also attend weekly virtual lectures with my apprenticeship provider.
My manager and team allow me enough time to study around working in my day-to-day role.
What is your favourite thing about being an apprentice?
There are lots of great things about being an apprentice. One of the main things that I enjoy about being an apprentice is the variety that it provides. One day I am representing the DI team at a careers fair, the next I’m delving into financial evaluation methods or even attending an awards evening!
I also like that I am able to study and progress my education alongside working in a real business environment. I really enjoy attending lectures with other apprentices who work for completely different companies and have lots of other experience.
I can also put some of my learning into practice immediately after studying, which allows me to develop further in my career than I would think possible if I was solely studying and not working.
What would you say to someone who was considering applying for an apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship?
I would say that an apprenticeship is a great way to get some real-life work experience whilst carrying on with learning and personal development along the way!
My apprenticeship course is degree level, so is obviously a lot of work, but I am able to manage it well by planning my time and having open communication with my manager about what time I will need each week to study.
Taking on this course has also taught me about more about managing my time and workload, which will be incredibly useful as my career progresses!
What’s the best thing that you have learned so far?
Not only have I learned a lot of business theory which I can see in practice in my team and company, but I have also developed a lot of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and organisation which will help me to become a rounded individual as these are applicable in any industry and situation!
Think an apprenticeship might be the route for you?
If you’re thinking about applying for an apprenticeship, or want to find out more about them, visit – https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/#.
You can also find more information about apprenticeships in our latest issue of The Stride – our monthly newsletter which covers everything from CVs to networking, apprenticeships to interviews.
You can subscribe here or view our latest issues here.