It’s National Apprenticeship Week, a week designed to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.
Joseph Potter, gbpartnerships Business & Quality Administrator, is currently undertaking a Business Administration Apprenticeship, once completed, he will receive a BTEC Level 3 Diploma.
To mark Joe’s one year anniversary and to highlight gbp's commitment to supporting apprenticeships, we caught up with Joe to find out a little more about what attracted him to doing an apprenticeship, advice he'd give to others starting out and his plans for the future.
What attracted you to undertaking an apprenticeship?
"I had just graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative & Professional Writing and Film & Television Studies. Although great passions of mine, they are not industries I wanted to work within and I wanted to move on to something different. After university I felt that an apprenticeship would be an effective way to transition into the working world. It is an amazing opportunity to learn and work simultaneously."
How did you find out about the apprenticeship with gbp?
"I discovered about gbpartnerships a month or so after my graduation, via the Gov UK website. I had walked through the doors of many recruiting offices and had three interviews (one of which was highly unusual!) before I came across gbp. After reading about the apprenticeship for Business Administration at gbp, I looked up the company and course content, and instantly feeling excited. I had an interview at the college on the Friday of that week, and an interview for gbp on the following Monday. I was greeted by Rose Taylor and Wendy Spencer and was absolutely mesmerised by the amazing office facilities. The interview went well, and the rest is history."
What advice would you give to others considering an apprenticeship?
"It may seem cliché but just do it! I have learnt so much already in my short time and met some truly amazing, talented individuals, who love what they do. An apprenticeship is the kind of pursuit where your confidence and self-esteem grow on a consistent basis. Many people seem to be stuck in the mentality that apprenticeships are only for people fresh out of school or college. You are never too old to start one and learn new things! It is a privilege to be a part of something like gbp, and I owe them every ounce of gratitude for giving me this incredible opportunity. I have received some great feedback from my tutors who say that I am progressing well on my course, as well as from my line managers and head of department regarding my work."
Do you have any plans for further study / development when you have completed your apprenticeship?
"For now I am focusing on getting the apprenticeship completed along with the work I do. I have already become part of the Business Support and Quality team, as well as assisting the finance team from time to time."
Any longer term plans you want to share?
"I hope to use the skills that I gather along the way to grow and expand in my career within the company."
Thanks Joe! We're wishing you all the best for a successful completion of you apprenticeship and a long and interesting career ahead!