Meet the Apprentices
Jo Guest - Apprentice PA & Admin Support to Senior Leadership Team
Back in June 2019 I wanted to return to office work. I had a
decade of knowledge in administration, but from 15 years previously…. how was I
going to gain experience of new processes and software to be proficient in a
current office environment?
I looked on the Devon Jobs website and noticed an
advertisement for apprentices. The prospect sounded perfect; the opportunity to
gain a qualification alongside practical and relevant work experience. But
weren’t apprenticeships for school leavers? Surely at 50 ¾ I was far too old?
My ancient fingers telephoned the Devon County Council Apprentice
Team, I spoke to a lovely lady who quelled my concerns and encouraged me to
apply.
To my surprise and delight, I was appointed as a higher-level
apprentice within the Leadership Support Team, working alongside my amazing
mentor, Clair Walker, as apprentice PA to Mary Davis the County Treasurer.
I've been given so many opportunities during my
apprenticeship. Alongside the day to day work, I've been involved in planning a
whole Devon Finance Services Event, promoting apprenticeships at the National Apprenticeship
Show, creating a new service wide newsletter and the design and analysis of
Wellbeing Surveys. I’ve also had an article
published in Inside Devon and become a 365 champion.
Taking part in the Volunteer Challenge provided me the
opportunity to work alongside the other Leadership Support Team apprentices and
give something back to the charity that I had worked at previously, when we
painted a mural on the wall of Learn to Live in Exeter where young adults with
complex needs are supported.
I had completed less than a year of my apprenticeship when Covid-19
hit. This meant the change from being in the office every day to working at
home full-time, which has brought with it its own challenges. I didn’t need to
worry; Devon County Council is an inclusive environment. My mentor Clair,
manager Rob Allen, Finance Leadership, Finance colleagues, apprenticeship
assessor and the wider Leadership Support Team have all supported me
throughout.
Being an apprentice has offered no barriers to collaboration.
In fact, quite the opposite; I believe that knowing I'm an apprentice has meant
that management and colleagues have searched me out to offer opportunities
where I can advance in learning and experience.
I'm in the last third of my apprenticeship now. At the end I
will have gained an NVQ4 and BTEC qualification in Business and Administration.
Studying has been hard work, but it's been worth it.
People are often taken aback when I tell them that I'm an
apprentice; the misconception is that you will be just out of education.
My advice to anyone who is considering an apprenticeship regardless
of age, would be – Go for it!
I haven’t regretted it for a moment.
Jo Guest
Apprentice PA & Admin Support
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