National Apprenticeship Week – Ella Tebble

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are taking the opportunity to catch up with some of our apprentices and find out a little bit more about them, and their thoughts on apprenticeships…

Our second Q&A of the week is with Ella, this year’s winner of our Charlie Baker Apprentice of the Year Award and our Business Administration apprentice.

Here’s what Ella had to say…

Name and apprenticeship

Ella Tebble – Level 3 Business Admin

What did you aspire to be when you were younger?

When I was younger, I always wanted to be a Beauty Therapist as I enjoy meeting new people and making them feel better about themselves.

Can you tell us a bit about your apprenticeship and what you do on a day-to-day basis?

On a day-to-day basis I answer the phones, manage relationships with subcontractors and suppliers, keep employee holidays and other databases up to date, and fulfil reception duties. I also book employee training courses and manage funding applications among other tasks.

How is your time split between hands on learning and theory/college?

I attend Middlesbrough College for 3.5 hours a week and the remaining 36.5 hours is hands on learning at the Intelect offices in Middlesbrough.

What do you like most about your apprenticeship?

I like that I am able to learn in a working environment, gain practical experience and I am also able to get support from my peers and mentors.

What’s been your biggest challenge so far in your apprenticeship?

My biggest challenge so far was stepping up from the school environment into a business working environment. After spending 5 years in secondary school with the comfort of my friends and other familiarities, I found it daunting coming into a new working environment and with new faces, but the team were really welcoming and I settled in quickly.

What advice would you give to other young people who were thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

I like the fact that I am gaining valuable work experience whilst obtaining a qualification. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to other people.

Do you have any future career aspirations for when you’ve completed your apprenticeship?

Yes, I hope to take on a more senior role within the company.

Finally, how does it feel to be awarded the Charlie Baker Apprentice of the Year award?

Being awarded the Charlie Baker Apprentice of the Year award, has made me feel much more confident in what I do and it’s shown me that people do believe in me.

After leaving school, I was worried about how I would fit in to a working environment and the challenges and responsibilities I would face, but I can now say that I feel I have grown as a person thanks to the help of my team who have encouraged me every step of the way.

They have taken me out of my comfort zone and have thrown me into situations which have allowed me to prove to myself that I am capable of achieving my goals. They have actively encouraged me, and took the time to train me, which I am grateful for, and I now look forward to finishing my apprenticeship and seeing what my future holds within the company.