As part of #CollegesWeek2024 we caught up with some of our fabulous Apprentices to hear about why they love being an Apprentice. Colleges Week is an initiative spearheaded by the Association of Colleges to celebrate the work of colleges around the country. 

As well as supporting students to find an Apprenticeship, Exeter College also employs a wide range of Apprentices across the organisation. 

Nico Bautista, Kitty Coulson Byng and Lucy Joyce are completing the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and are all employed at the College. Apprenticeships cater to various career paths and interests, from Business to Health and Care, to Engineering and Construction and much more. 

Kitty works with the Exams Team. Speaking about what she loves about being an Apprentice, she said; 

“If you’re not quite sure what you want to do or how to go about getting a job, an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn things at the same time as working. It’s a really nurturing environment and can start you off on a certain career path.” 

Lucy, who works in the Apprenticeship Hub, added; 

“It’s a good foot in the door but you are still learning so even though you aren’t going to university, you are still learning skills that you can apply elsewhere.” 

One of the many benefits of doing an apprenticeship is that you learn things in the classroom that you can immediately put into practice in your job role. 

Kitty says her role has boosted her confidence. 

“We work on a wide variety of projects and having to do things like presentations has really developed my confidence. Just speaking to a lot of new people and joining a big employer has really helped me and all my peers with that.” 

Lucy added; 

“What I’ve learnt from my apprenticeship is probably time management, having to prioritise work and college work, our work is fast paced so I’ve had to really get organised.” 

Nico has come from a role where he was working alone a lot and is really enjoying being back in a team. He works in the Apprenticeship Hub with Lucy. He said; 

“What I like most is the variety of stuff we do and getting hands on, not just theory but practicing the theory too. 

“Learning those specific skills does make a big difference (like time management), you learn to collaborate, and its team orientated.” 

So, what would they say to someone considering an Apprenticeship? 

Lucy said; “For anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship, just remember university isn’t your only option. I looked on Instagram one day and found an apprenticeship and haven’t looked back since.” 

Nico added; “If I knew about apprenticeships earlier, I would have gone down this route, rather than university. I feel like you get hands on experience, and you just figure things out.” 

Explore the Apprenticeship zone on our website to find the right Apprenticeship for you. 

You can find out more about Apprenticeships at the next Open Event on Wednesday 24 April or call our Apprenticeship Team on 01392 400800.