Joely’s Apprenticeship Journey as a Business Administration Apprentice

Posted Tuesday, 10 February 2026 by Mia Foster

We recently caught up with Joely, who is doing a Business Administration Apprenticeship and currently working at The Regenda Group.

Over the next 18 months, Joely will work across different departments within The Regenda Group. She will spend time with People Services, Finance, ICT, and the Innovation and Brand team. This hands‑on experience is helping her understand how a large organisation works while she works towards her Level 3 Business Administrator qualification.

Watch Joely's video, as she shares how her apprenticeship is helping her develop.

Why an apprenticeship was the best route for me

“An apprenticeship seemed like the right option for me because I prefer to work on the job, gain experience and earn money at the same time.”

What it’s like doing an apprenticeship in Liverpool

“For the past 20 weeks, I worked with the Finance department. A typical day involved processing invoices, checking the accounts payable mailbox, learning new formulas and tasks, and supporting my team with anything they needed. I learned how to use Excel and a wide range of financial formulas, how to problem‑solve, how to work with financial data, and gained knowledge about rent, service charges, audits and the accounting side of finance.”

A day in the life of an apprentice

“I’m currently working with the Brand and Innovation department. A typical day involves meeting different colleagues to discuss ongoing work, assisting with planning resident consultation meetings, supporting procurement tasks, and learning more about the department and everyone’s roles. I find Marketing interesting, I’m learning what the role involves and more about the advertising side. One of the projects I’ve enjoyed most is sitting in Resident Voice Panel meetings and resident consultations. I like hearing tenants’ views and learning more about the housing side of Regenda.”

The advantages of learning on the job with an apprenticeship

“Compared to classroom‑based learning, I prefer learning on the job because I get to experience what it’s like working in an office environment and gain hands‑on experience as a business administrator. I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time because I’m learning while working.”

How my apprenticeship improved my skills

“I’ve developed my communication skills a lot because I’ve had the chance to speak with so many new people, both internally and externally. Having introductions with colleagues throughout my apprenticeship has helped me ask questions and understand my role better. My teamwork skills have also improved because I’ve had the opportunity to take part in group meetings and work with different departments across Regenda.”

How my apprenticeship improved my confidence

“My confidence has drastically increased since starting my apprenticeship. I’ve gained so much experience and proven to myself that I’m capable of working in an office environment. Everyone has supported me and made me feel welcome, my confidence grows more each day!”

How an apprenticeship has helped me develop

“One thing I’ve learned about myself is that I adapt well when learning lots of new things. Even when tasks are challenging, I can push through and complete them, which makes me feel proud. I feel more resilient and positive when working on new tasks and in new environments. The apprenticeship has helped me to grow, and I feel more confident when working - I’ve improved my communication, organisation and time‑management skills.

What surprised me most is how much I’ve been involved in and how much experience I’ve gained in just five months. I feel confident working in an office, and I understand so much more about my apprenticeship and the different sectors within it. I feel much more professional, and I’ve grown not just in the workplace but as a person too.”

Why I chose The Learning Foundry as a Liverpool apprenticeship provider

“I chose an apprenticeship with The Learning Foundry because I had heard about how great of a training provider they were and wanted to learn somewhere I knew I’d be supported and gain all of the different benefits. My development coach has supported me throughout, providing lots of information and help when I’m preparing assignments, and she’s always willing to answer questions or give guidance whenever I need it.”

I would recommend The Learning Foundry for apprenticeships

“Yes, I would recommend The Learning Foundry to anyone considering an apprenticeship. They offer a wide range of opportunities and are extremely supportive. No matter your background, they’re welcoming and encouraging, and provide guidance in so many ways.

The Learning Foundry creates a relaxed environment that feels very different from school, it’s not strict, and that makes the experience much more enjoyable. The Learning Foundry stands out from other training providers because of the wide range of opportunities available, giving learners real choice about their future. Their Ofsted ‘Good’ rating also made me feel confident that I’d receive the education and experience I needed. All the development coaches are reliable, kind and easy to approach.”

Why I chose an apprenticeship as an alternative route to university or college

“I think apprenticeships are a great route into a career because you gain real experience as well as a qualification. Unlike university or college, you learn the systems used in the job and become confident using them. I get to do something I want to do in the future while earning money, instead of having to get a part‑time job. Apprenticeships lead to a strong pathway in the future.”

Advice I would give to school leavers thinking about an apprenticeship

“If someone was thinking of starting an apprenticeship, I would tell them to go for it as it is the best thing I have done! I’ve learned so much while gaining real experience and understanding what it’s like to work a full‑time job. As someone who left college for an apprenticeship, I think it’s a great thing to do because it feels more reliable and secure in the long run.

The advice I would give to someone starting their apprenticeship is to not be nervous and remember that everybody is there to help and support you along the way. It can feel like a big change at first, and a whole new experience, but it gets easier. It’s normal to make mistakes, and if you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask!”