Why I think you should do an Apprenticeship: Ellie’s story

9 July 2025

Read our blog to find out about our award-winning Business Admin Apprentice.

We caught up with Ellie about her role as a Business Admin Apprentice.

During her Apprenticeship, Ellie worked as an Admin Assistant at the Schools and Events team with EKC Group. She helped the team with their visits to schools as well as planning events across the EKC Group.

She was an instrumental part of the team using her organisational and Microsoft Excel skills to help manage the workload of the team. Since completing her Apprenticeship, she has landed herself an Events Assistant job with Springs Association Management.

Ellie recently won the ‘Highly Commended Apprentice’ award at the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards.

apprentice wins award — Ellie proudly showing off her award posing with friend and colleague Charlie. Photo credits: Bryn Parker

Tell me about your Apprenticeship, what did you get up to in your day-to-day role?

So, my Apprenticeship was Business Admin, it was a level 3 qualification. In my day-to-day role I attended school events; running workshops and careers fairs with the team hoping to help students understand more about College.

I also managed the team’s email account and completed data input for the open events.

What would your advice be to someone who’s first starting out as an Apprentice?

My advice would be to be patient, as you are learning new things.

I’d studied Level 3 Business and Enterprise at school, so I came into this Apprenticeship thinking, ‘yeah, I’ll know some of it’ – but in reality, it was all very new to me. So, my advice is, just be patient, you will have to learn new things, but you’ll also have so much support given to you.

What was your favourite part of your Apprenticeship?

My favourite part is seeing the impact on students.

In my role, I would assist the team to attend school visits and run workshops with learners. Sometimes we would see the same students at our College Open Day and they would say “oh, since you came in to my school I’ve decided to come to College.” It was really great to see the direct impact of our work.

How did you balance your work and study?

Each week I was allocated one day to focus strictly on Apprenticeship work. I was well supported by my manager and my mentor from EKC Training. They helped me keep on track and adjust my responsibilities if I need more time on an Apprenticeship based project.

What would you say was your biggest accomplishment in your role in the Schools and Events team?

My biggest accomplishment was my Apprenticeship project; I had to organise a 1:1 meeting with each team member to teach them how to complete a data cleanse.

It was really successful. I learnt a lot about different learning style and adapting my approach depending on the team member. It’s quite nice to see that change within people when they learn a new skill.

Would you recommend an Apprenticeship to others?

Yes, 100%! I think it’s great to gain hands-on experience whilst learning, as I’m a very practical learner. I learn best from seeing other people do the job.

I also liked the level of support that you get when you are on an Apprenticeship, you can get both wellbeing and learning support. There is always someone around if you have any questions.

Another reason to choose an Apprenticeship is that you are salaried. It’s nice learning, as well as getting paid!

Ellie’s top three reasons to become an Apprentice