It’s National Apprenticeship Week and the team at Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT) are celebrating our brilliant apprentices past and present.
Apprenticeships are a great way to develop your skills within the workplace whether you are a school leaver or wanting a career change - hear from some of our apprentices below.
Nicki Onn, Business Administration Apprentice
Nicki is the main lead on all aspects of administration for two of our large projects: “I started at Lincolnshire Action Trust in February 2020, as I wanted a change in career. I worked in a nursery previously for five years, so when I started looking for a change, I realised the easiest way to get into another career would be to do an apprenticeship.
“When I got the job at LAT, it was very different to what I was used to, but I liked the idea that there was more room for progression than there was in my previous jobs.
“A month later a global pandemic happened, this meant we all then started working from home. I not only had to get used to a whole new job but also had to adapt to working from home as well.
“Throughout, my colleagues were supportive and helped wherever they could. It was a learning curve and it helped to develop my skills to adapt and improvise in situations. We had weekly virtual meetings so we could keep the social aspect of being in a team without us working in an office together.
“I have been able to get hands on experience and it has been really beneficial towards my apprenticeship. I have now completed my level 2 and well on my way to complete my level 3.”
Reece Jackson, Business Administration Assistant
Reece, who currently leads on IT support and Data management, said: “I have worked with LAT for over 3 years now and in that time, I have completed both my level 2 and level 3 course despite being furloughed for 6 months. The support provided by LAT allowed me to finish my level 3 with a distinction despite many setbacks last year.
“The amount of growth I have seen in the past 3 years working at LAT has been phenomenal and this is because I was given so many opportunities that wouldn’t be available to me as an apprentice in another organisation.”
Jordan Edwards, Business Support Apprentice
It is Jordan’s job to aid the Senior Finance Officer in financial record keeping for LAT. He also helps carry out all accounting in line with the Companies Act, Charities Statement of Recommended Practice and other relevant legislation.
“I would be the first to admit that my route through to an apprenticeship was an unusual one. Coming out of university with a degree, and then struggling to find work for two years, I never thought I would suddenly find myself an apprentice. However, it was an experience I will never regret.
“The support I’ve received through LAT, working first through a Level 2 Business Administration City and Guilds, then transitioning to Level 3 AAT, has been second to none. After two and a half years working for the organisation I have almost completed a finance qualification and am now looking at becoming a qualified accounting technician.
“The experience I’ve gained from both the admin and financial side of my role has been invaluable. The confidence boost I’ve gained since starting has been phenomenal as well. When I started, I had never answered a phone to anyone, and now I have the confidence to do so daily. This has been one of the major benefits my role at LAT has provided, along with the development of other technical and interpersonal skills.
“One of the best things about working for LAT is knowing that the support you provide practitioners and front-line staff is vital to delivering services for some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in the community. So, if you would like to work in a role in which you can feel like you are making a positive difference, then LAT is the ideal organisation for you.”
Aysha Bayes, Resettlement Hub Practitioner
Aysha’s role includes supporting men upon release each morning from HMP Lincoln with their support needs such as contacting agencies, arranging benefits, substance misuse and housing: “I started working at LAT in 2017 as a Business Administration apprentice and have now worked here for 4 years. Over my time as an apprentice, I have grown as a person and as a professional. I was given more responsibility as time went on and started having more interest in support available surrounding the Criminal Justice System (CJS).
“I had a lot of support as an apprentice and was given opportunities to shadow other roles within LAT as well opportunities to progress which has led me to where I am now. Currently I am a practitioner, working with those affected by the Criminal Justice System, and really enjoy my job and the work that I do.
“Without starting this apprenticeship and having the learning opportunities and support LAT have given me, I would not be in the place I am today.”
If you are interested in an apprenticeship with LAT you are in luck! We have two opportunities for business administration apprenticeships at our main office and HMP Lincoln. See the links below for more information.
Head Office -
https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/joblink.aspx?TrackingId=nas0001&VacancyReference=160907
HMP Lincoln -
https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/joblink.aspx?TrackingId=nas0001&VacancyReference=160909
