National Apprenticeship Week: Meet our apprentices Dawn and Stephen
Published: 4 February 2020
We're marking National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating the success of our apprentices.
The City Council currently has 21 apprentices in a wide variety of roles, with three more expected shortly.
There are apprentices on 11 different courses, including Data Analyst Level 4, Senior Leader MBA Level 7, Horticulture Level 2 and many more.
During the week we will feature a number of our apprentices, and today is the turn of Dawn Ireland, who is doing a Business Administration Level 3 Diploma in Communications, Tourism and Culture, and Stephen Clayton, MBA Level 7 in Customer Support.
Name: Dawn Ireland, 20, Business Administration Level 3 Diploma in Communications, Tourism and Culture
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Prior to working here, I had studied Health and Social Care at Exeter College. I had also worked in different sectors too: Customer Service; Retail and Hospitality.
I love to support our local football team, so I am a season ticket holder for that. I also love baking, my current favourite thing to make is cheesecake.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I decided to do an apprenticeship for a variety of reasons. The main one is that I have a son and I wanted to get my career off the ground so I could provide him the greatest opportunities possible but I specifically chose an apprenticeship because I have seen others succeed from completing one.
What's the most rewarding part of being an apprentice?
Personally, I think the most rewarding part of being an apprentice is that it provides great for work-life balance as I am technically studying whilst working, which means I have more free time.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others and why?
I think apprenticeships are a brilliant opportunity to get great work experience, as well as the academic knowledge to further your education/career and the work-life balance it has brought me means I would recommend.
What's your best / most rewarding moment since your apprenticeship began?
My most rewarding moment since starting was when I passed my first exam, it was a huge relief to know the work I was putting in was worth it.
Name: Stephen Clayton, 40, MBA Level 7 in Customer Support
Tell us a little bit about yourself
Originally a serial drop out, (from one college and two universities), and then a professional musician I didn’t enter ‘real work’ until my late 20s. Since then I have gained an Environmental Studies degree and a postgraduate certificate in business admin.
In truth, I wasn’t really ready to commit to study at 18 and have massively appreciated the opportunity to ‘catch up’. Studying has definitely risked me becoming a stranger to my own family but, worryingly, they don’t seem to have complained too much…..I like to tell myself this is because they are very supportive!
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship was an opportunity to bring practical learning into the workplace and for personal development.
What's the most rewarding part of being an apprentice?
Being able to apply learning from peers and lecturers in the workplace. The 2 and 3 day masterclasses were also a great way to encourage self –reflection and link up with managers from a wide range of backgrounds.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others and why?
Absolutely but it requires significant commitment. However, there is a real reward for the work you put in and it is an amazing opportunity to find space away from work.
What's your best / most rewarding moment since your apprenticeship began?
Rather than a moment, it’s the opportunity to reflect on development goals and improve my positive impact within ECC, outside of my direct responsibility.