My apprenticeship set me up for life – and there is no substitute for hands on experience
This week has been National Apprenticeships Week and it has brought back fond memories of my own apprenticeship days – some time ago now I must add......
But I have also been reflecting on the skills it taught me and the very real advantage it has given me throughout my career – and indeed still does today. The combination of hands on practical experience combined with that early responsibility (I left school at 16) of working to earn my wage gave me a work ethic and professionalism that later made me stand out against my peers.
I still had the opportunity to do higher qualifications and later a degree through day release and evening classes, but is was my apprenticeship within the the MoD, which really opened my eyes to how organisations work. More importantly it taught me those skills often referred to as ‘soft’ – but which will make or break your career: collaboration, a willingness to take risks – and to fail - and of course the art of compromise. Skills which employers today say are too often lacking.
Since leaving the MOD these core skills enabled me to find senior roles in IBM, AT&T, HP and now here in Capita. As employees today, we need to be constantly learning, upskilling ourselves, adapting and transforming – and to do that successfully you need hands on experience of working life.
It’s why I put my success down to my apprenticeships – and that is why I now actively support and mentor new apprentices today. There is plenty of information on being a mentor available – or alternatively you can find out more about the different apprenticeships we offer at Capita here: https://www.capita.com/careers/early-careers
Executive, Leadership & Team Coach | Owner Ping Thinking | EMCC Accredited Team Coach (ITCA) | AC Accredited Master Coach and Henley Business School Executive Coach | Team, Strategy and People Builder
5 年oh hear, hear David! I didn't start my career as an apprentice but completed a sandwich degree - which doesn't mean i made nice things with bread and butter but had the chance to get some actual experience under my belt during a year of apprenticeship in the middle. i can often be heard banging on about why don't we take more of this approach in the UK so it's great to hear about National Apprentice Week.?
B2B digital transformational coach working with your Marketing and Sales teams to implement their strategy to deliver growth.
5 年David, great article and I totally agree with you. I also started my working life as an apprentice and travelled a fair part of the world with my subsequent employers. The importance of having a mentor (s) should not be underestimated both for your personal life and you’re working life. Both are very much connected e.g. work is a means to achieve your personal goals but we all need some guidance and support on that journey.
Distinguished Technologist & CTO HPE South Pacific
5 年I started mine in a very similar way as an apprentice, working my way through the drawing office, to design engineer, CAD System Manager and ended up being responsible for Engineering IT before moving ICL.
Marketing Director I Chair of Governors I Charity Trustee
5 年Great perspective here, couldn't agree more about the value of having a great mentor.