From Kickstart to an apprenticeship - Sophie Whitehead
To mark National Apprenticeship Week (7th – 13th February 2022) we’re celebrating learners at every stage of their journey.
We recently caught up with Sophie Whitehead who’s officially starting her apprenticeship this week after completing a Kickstart placement. Read on to hear what she has to say about her career journey so far.
Hi Sophie, you’re officially starting your apprenticeship this week – congratulations! Can you tell us why you applied for a Kickstart vacancy and how it led to an apprenticeship?
I was working a part-time job and I just wanted to find something a bit more secure with more hours. I didn’t go out to find a Kickstart role specifically, but I saw two roles I liked the sound of – both of which happened to be Kickstart jobs.
The first one was actually with Positive Footprints (also part of The Regenda Group) and the Administration and Events Assistant vacancy with NCRC (The National Communities Resource Centre). I applied for both roles, and I got the NCRC job. I was really pleased as it was my preferred option.
The Kickstart job was 25 hours per week for 6 months. My manager at NCRC didn’t want to let me go at the end of the placement, so we agreed I’d stay on and start my apprenticeship.
What’s your new role and what will it involve?
I’m starting my Business Administration apprenticeship this week. I don’t expect my job role to change massively as I’m continuing on with NCRC with pretty much the same duties. I’ll be supporting the business with administration tasks and supporting the events programme which I really enjoy. I recently worked on a veterans event and it made me feel really proud when I saw what a special day everyone had.
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
It was a great opportunity to stay with NCRC in a job and a team that I really love, and I’ll have earned a Level 3 qualification after 18 months.
What will your working week look like? How will your time be split between studying and working?
We’re just in the process of scheduling my time but the study element will be one day a week and I’ll be working and doing my job four days a week. I might do the studying in two half day blocks.
What would you say to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
I was a little apprehensive going from my Kickstart role to adding in a day of study but my tutor and my manager have been incredibly supportive and I’m really happy to be staying with the NCRC team. I’d say if you’re considering it to go for it!
If you're looking to take the next step in your career, come along to our Open Day on Thursday 10th February, 2 - 6pm at our campus. No need to book - just drop in!
Can't make it on the day? Check out our latest apprenticeship and Kickstart vacancies and apply now.