Reflecting on her apprenticeship success
Reflecting on what inspired her to begin the apprenticeship, Lara explained, “I completed a Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship, which lasted 12 months. I was keen to start this apprenticeship to support my career growth and personal development.” From the outset, her goal was clear – to build practical skills that would support long-term career progression while gaining valuable, hands-on experience.
One of the most impactful lessons Lara took from the apprenticeship was learning how to manage competing priorities. She shared, “the most valuable skill I learned was time management and prioritisation. Balancing work responsibilities with learning highlighted the importance of organisation in order to meet deadlines effectively.” These skills have since become central to how she manages her role.
The journey was not without its challenges. During the assessment period, Lara was balancing a demanding workload alongside a major life milestone, “one of the biggest challenges was balancing coursework with a busy work schedule while being nine months pregnant during the apprenticeship assessment period (timing wasn’t on my side),” she said.
Through determination, planning, and open communication, Lara was able to navigate this successfully, “I managed this by setting clear goals and maintaining regular communication with my manager to ensure I had the support and flexibility I needed.” This support played a vital role in her success. Lara highlighted the encouragement she received throughout her studies, saying, “my line manager and colleagues were incredibly supportive, they provided guidance and encouragement throughout my studies.”
