Sarah's smart business move
Thursday 26th of August 2010
Business Support Assistant Sarah Howarth is getting ahead in her industry at a time when Britain is feeling the squeeze of the narrow job market.
18 year old Sarah from Halifax is currently a Business and Administration Apprentice at Kirklees College, and not only studies at the college, but works in the Employer Engagement Team. She works 37 hours per week but is given one day a week to study and develop her skills outside the office.
After doing one year of AS levels at her sixth form, Sarah took a job at the Media Centre in Huddersfield, where she was unfortunately made redundant. However, Sarah put her career back on track when she applied to do an apprenticeship at Kirklees College. She now plans to progress from Level two, which she has just passed onto Level three in September whilst continuing working at the New North Road campus in Huddersfield.
Sarah said: “I really enjoy working here. I like the office atmosphere and I’m learning all the time, which has helped me to progress well and gain confidence. I get the support of the team I work with and the college tutor too.
"I think this apprenticeship will give me a competitive edge when I’ve finished as I’ve got the experience and the qualifications to go into the world of work. It’s definitely been the right route for me as I can gain qualifications and earn money at the same time, so I have got the independence I need too.”
Since joining in February, Sarah has carried out vital work for the Employer Engagement Team at the college and learnt essential administration and business skills. From updating databases to event preparation, Sarah’s job has led her into the Level three stage of the apprenticeship, where she will plan her own work and manage her own projects.
Sarah added: “I feel more confident at solving problems on my own now, which can be satisfying. It’s also great being part of a team that covers a wide range of business disciplines and I think I’ll be able to bring those to whichever job I take up once I’ve completed my apprenticeship.”
Kirklees College offers apprenticeships in 14 different areas and has on average 550 apprentices, a number of which, like Sarah are employed by the college. Apprenticeships are offered in areas such as construction, hospitality, hairdressing, business and professional studies, childcare, health and social care, engineering and motor vehicle working with employers across West Yorkshire.
Marie Haigh, head of Employer Engagement at Kirklees College said:
“Kirklees College runs a very successful apprenticeship programme with employers in the local area. It made good business sense to adopt this approach for our Employer Engagement team. We are better placed to demonstrate firsthand the benefits of the scheme.
“Not only does taking on an apprentice make financial sense in terms of lowering the costs of staff recruitment and training, it also allows us the opportunity to develop good practical skills around our business need.
“Sarah is definitely an asset to the team and contributes with both enthusiasm and ideas. For employers who are keen to enhance and sustain the resources of the company the apprenticeship programme is a sound business investment. “
An apprenticeship refers to on and off- the-job training which leads to nationally recognised qualifications, developed by industry. If you are interested in taking an apprenticeship at Kirklees College search for 'apprenticeship' on our website. If you are an employer interested in working with Kirklees College to develop an apprenticeship programme call 0800 7813020.