While studying for my A levels, I was struggling to make a decision, like many other people my age, on whether or not to go university. It had always seemed the obvious route. It had been encouraged throughout my education and seemed to be the most common choice among my peers. However, I wasn’t entirely sure about what I wanted from my future and I came to the conclusion if I went to university I wouldn’t be going for the right reasons.

My college was holding a career fair and I knew it was wise to make the most of this opportunity and speak to the companies who attend them. It was there that I met one of Enterprise’s recruiters, she was approachable, informative and most importantly she listened to my interests and provided a variety of options that were available to me.

I chose to apply for Enterprise’s HR Apprenticeship Programme and complete a Level 3 Business Administration Diploma. Knowing a little about Enterprise, and absolutely nothing about the corporate environment, I began my year-long apprenticeship after taking my exams and leaving formal education.

On reflection, this year has been invaluable. I have developed both personally and professionally thanks to the consistent support from all of my colleagues. I feel incredibly lucky to be working for a company that cares so much about progressing its employees.

I have been given so many opportunities to learn and develop. I have attended conferences and seminars, joined the Charity and Wellness Committees. I am always given the opportunity to present ideas to my department. I am part of a Lean In Circle; a female support network. I have some incredible mentors who have been instrumental to my development over the year. I have been wholly included in my department and made to feel an integral part of my team.

All of this has happened alongside studying for my apprenticeship. I have been surprised by the support I have been given. I have yet to come across someone who doesn’t have the time for me. Everyone is always happy to knowledge-share and I have been shown time and time again that Enterprise is exactly the sort of place where people get what they need to succeed and progress.

I feel I have hugely benefitted from continuing to study while working. For anyone who isn’t sure about going to university but isn’t quite ready to delve fully into the world of work, I highly recommend an apprenticeship. It’s a fantastic way to join a global business and gain extremely useful experience while being developed and eased into the demands of your job role. Our promote-from-within culture also means that you have a great start with a business that wants you to progress. I’m happy to say that I have now completed my apprenticeship and am now an HR Coordinator with Enterprise – my next step is to complete the CIPD qualification and see where my career will take me within the company!

If you are keen to earn and continue to learn, take a look at Enterprise’s apprenticeship opportunities and apply now!