Business – Millie

Millie excelled during her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, earning a permanent position as Curriculum Administrator at North Notts College. Her remarkable dedication also led to an advanced nomination at the 2023 Rotherham Apprentice of the Year Awards. We caught up with her to ask some questions about how she found the experience.  

Why did you decide to go down this route?  

“I’ve been drawn to the business administration route since studying business at college in 2022. I believe this sector can open many doors and career paths. I opted for an apprenticeship due to the hands-on experience and mentorship that are invaluable for a successful career foundation. It allows me to contribute actively while building a professional network.”  

How have we supported you through your course?  

“The admin team has been so supportive, providing training in tasks like minuting meetings and essential IT tools used within the business. If I ever struggled with any task, someone was always available to answer my questions and offer guidance. They went beyond my expectations, offering personalised one-on-one sessions to address my concerns and provide tailored solutions, making me feel truly valued.”  

Have you seen any developments in your performance?  

“Throughout my apprenticeship, I carried out various tasks such as collecting and distributing the post, timetabling amendments, communicating with internal and external stakeholders, and much more. These tasks have helped me gain valuable skills such as time management and prioritising. For instance, I now create a to-do list each day, which helps me organise tasks from most to least important. This way, everything gets done in an orderly and quick way.”  

Can you name a notable project that you worked on?  

“A notable project I have recently worked on is the Absence Logging Form, which is due to be put in place for September. It is an easy and quick way for the students to sign out of college, as well as efficient and practical for us in the Admin Team. My project involved planning and designing a form that learners can fill out when they are going to be absent from college or leaving campus. The form has all the necessary information we, as the admin team, need to log these absences and inform parents if the learner is under 18. It is compact, quick, and effective for not only us but also for the learner, who can leave as quickly and safely as possible.”  

What have you enjoyed most about your course?  

“I enjoyed studying through the units of my course, which have been unique and interesting to learn about. Every aspect of the course is beneficial for going into an administration job. One unit I particularly enjoyed was project management, which is a fascinating field relevant to me as a future manager or leader. I learned a lot through this unit, such as project fundamentals, how to plan projects, and how to communicate with stakeholders during the project planning process. I took a lot away from it, and it will definitely benefit me in the future.”  

Do you have any advice for someone considering an apprenticeship?  

“In my opinion, an apprenticeship is one of the best things that you can do. You’re learning each day while also gaining experience in the workplace, which will prepare you for a full-time position in the future. It will also end in you getting a qualification, which, again, will also help you in the future.”  

Where would you like to be in the next five years?  

“In five years, I would like to have progressed in the company, such as into a managerial role. To achieve this, I will continue to gain experience and knowledge from my colleagues. I plan on taking additional courses like leadership and management, as I believe these will take me in the right direction.”  

Find out more about the apprenticeships we have on offer.