My case study – Katie Walmsley

Q1. What was your apprenticeship in and why did you choose this one?

My apprenticeship was in maintenance admin and planning. I chose this one as I have always loved to be organised and the job description appealed to me.

I knew I didn’t want to go to university, I wanted to get straight into a working role, so when I saw Ongo were advertising for five apprentices I jumped at the chance. These were the first office based apprenticeships that Ongo had advertised for.

I felt this apprenticeship would be the next step and something I felt confident moving into full time. I was already having some experience in my current weekend job that I felt would benefit me in the apprenticeship role.

Q2. What experience did you gain from your apprenticeship and how has your apprenticeship benefited you?

My apprenticeship benefited me greatly as I was always fairly shy. This role pushed me to be more confident, to believe in myself and to challenge myself.

When I first started I was given my own smaller team, which I really appreciated as I felt the team had given me a good opportunity to prove why I was worthy of the role.

I’ve made life – long friends in my role as well as skills I will continue to use throughout my life.

Q3. What was the outcome at the end of your apprenticeship?

My apprenticeship was originally down as a two year role. However, after one year maintenance was progressing and changes within the team meant I was very lucky and an opportunity for me to be a works planner full time.

I was one of the two who were successful and I have been in the same team ever since. I have just completed ten years’ service within the team!

Q4. What advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship?

Some advice I would give to someone considering an apprenticeship is to just go for it. Go for it and give it your all as you will always have people around you within the team and even within the company that want to help and support you achieve great things.

You also don’t know what opportunities may arise so even if it’s something you don’t want to do it can give you the stepping stone to learn and decide what you want to do.

Personally for me, the aspect of learning whilst earning is another bonus. Who would want to miss out on an opportunity like that?

Q4. If you had one sentence to describe your apprenticeship, what would it be?

I would describe my apprenticeship as the best decision I ever made, no regrets.