What our apprentices say

Chris and Chanel: Highways Services

Chris and Chanel took part in an apprenticeship programme in our Highways Services team. Find out what they thought about the scheme.

Aimee: Customer Service Apprentice

When I left school I gained a full time job with a property lawyers but was then made redundant due to the recession. After 3 months of constantly being turned away from jobs due to lack of experience I saw a advert for the Kent Apprenticeship program and thought wow! Get paid & gain more qualifications. BONUS!  I rang the number straight away and within a couple of weeks I had my placement confirmed and was undertaking an NVQ in Customer Service.

I really enjoyed my time as an apprentice and if I could have stayed on the scheme forever I would have done!  However I have now secured a permanent job at Kent County Council within the finance department.  I was given constant support throughout the duration of my Apprenticeship and I was asked to nominate myself for apprentice of the year award.  As a result of my hard work & dedication I found myself being awarded Highly commended for the very prestigious Apprentice of the Year Award  at fancy award ceremony!  This proved to me that I could achieve anything I wanted to, as long as I put my mind to it!  Gaining the award has given me such a sense of pride, I would do it all again in a flash!

Aaron: Business Administration

When I was at school I know I wanted a job that would lead to a good career.  Connexions referred me to KCC and I became a Kent Success Apprentice as an Information Assistant for Property Group.

To start with everything was so new to me and there was a lot to take in.  I quickly got the hang of things though!  The most important part of my role is processing invoices for large construction companies and I love the responsibility.  I receive loads of support from my line manager and my tutor.  At the end of my Apprenticeship I hope to be taken on at the council permanently but for the time being I feel proud to be making a different and gaining experience. 

Laura: Floristry

Hi I’m Laura and I’m currently completing a Floristry apprenticeship with Contemporary Flowers.  When becoming an apprentice I felt excited that I was starting a new job but also very nervous about entering into the unknown and meeting new people. Doing my apprenticeship has helped increase my confidence especially when serving customers in the busy shop.  I have met lots of new people and some of my work has been entered into competitions, one of which led me to gaining a silver medal at the Chelsea flower show!  I feel that I have achieved so much in such a short space of time and without my training this would not have happened.

My apprenticeship in floristry has made me even more eager to learn new skills and I would like to enter more competitions in the future with the hope of gaining further awards, maybe even a Gold at Chelsea next year!