My case study – Natalie

We hear from Natalie today who started her Ongo journey as an apprentice and has worked her way up to being a Data Analyst.

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

My apprenticeship was a Housing Management & Support Service Apprentice. I chose this apprenticeship because of how versatile it was, I was able to work in different departments and learn about housing itself, as I knew nothing about social housing prior to this.

I also did not want to go to university and was unsure about the career path I wanted to take. This was a great opportunity to continue to learn whilst gaining work experience.

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

Within every role, I was trained up to Officer level. I gained experience in housing management, income management, tenancy support (general support, warden support and decants) and leasehold.

Working within different teams also gave me opportunities to explore avenues of career paths.

I was also able to build working relationships with other teams which helped within any role I was doing, as I had already built valuable connections.

My prior knowledge and understanding of the different teams has enabled me to have a well-rounded understanding of the business and has aided me in the role I do now.

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

The experience gained enabled me to apply for permanent positions. I was successful a year and a half into my apprenticeship (my apprenticeship was contracted for two years).

After my apprenticeship, I went on to working within the Income team as an Income collection assistant, from there I went on to being a Specialist Debt Collector, where I worked with the Income team, voids and other teams that involved recharges.

Afterwards I went into the role of Business Insight Officer, before getting into my current role of Data Analyst.

All these positions helped me in getting to where I am now, but I did also go to University to gain a degree in Business Management, this also helped me when getting my current role.

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

Take the opportunity to explore the field you’re interested in whilst still gaining a qualification and working.

It offers you opportunity and insight to the potential career you want to get into, and it doesn’t leave you with a student loan.

I would 100% do it all over again.

Q5. If you had one sentence to describe your apprenticeship, what would it be?

It’s insightful, interesting and very rewarding.