Hello!
My name is Laura Allen and I am a Business Administration Apprentice with Go Beyond. For me, applying for this apprenticeship was a huge step into unknown territory and a risk in my career, as I haven’t been in a job role like this before. However, it’s a step I will never turn back on. I have learned so much about myself; developed my personal skills, and my career, to help me achieve future aspirations and a goal which is within arm’s reach.
I’ve answered a few questions to share the experience of my role with you this National Apprenticeship Week!
What made you apply for an apprenticeship role with Go Beyond?
When I was researching about apprenticeships I came across CHICKS – now Go Beyond – and I hadn’t heard of them before. I did my research and saw what wonderful work was being done. I felt I wanted to be a part of that. I knew that working for a charity would mean I’d gain a huge amount experience and develop my personal skills to further my career aspects, as I haven’t been in this type of role before.
How long have you been an apprentice with Go Beyond?
I started my apprenticeship in September 2020, and I work Monday to Friday with Tuesdays being a college day where I complete the theory side of the apprenticeship.
What are the benefits in an apprenticeship role?
The main benefits of an apprenticeship are to gain a qualification and earn a living at the same time, gain specialist skills, receive paid holidays, gain multiple qualifications and develop personal skills, and build a good relationship with your employer, which can lead to full time employment at the end of your apprenticeship.
What is your typical day as apprenticeship with Go Beyond?
I am currently working within the Fundraising Department which entails research on events, writing and maintaining contact with supporters, writing and collating ideas for appeals, and more. However, I am also involved with general administration tasks such as managing incoming calls, monitoring our info@gobeyond.org.uk inbox and dealing with enquiries. There are future opportunities for me to explore and gain experience from other departments within the organisation.
What does Go Beyond offer to you as an apprentice?
Go Beyond gives me the opportunity to develop my skills by working across all departments in the organisation. There is a support network in place to help me succeed in my apprenticeship. I am offered extra training and guidance to ensure a good understanding of what is expected of me. The team shows an interest in what areas of my college course I am currently working on, so they can be implemented into my working tasks and I can provide good evidence.
What has been your standout proudest moment so far?
For me, it was contributing to and making a short video for the launch of CHICKS new name, Go Beyond, which was shared on all our social media platforms. It’s a small moment, however, it had a huge impact on my self-confidence; knowing that team members who have worked longer than I have accepted a video which they were very happy to share. I’m sure there will be plenty more to come!
As an apprentice do you get the help you need?
From the very beginning I felt well supported, even working from home during this pandemic, it was comforting to know that if there was an issue or I needed extra help on a task there would always be someone who would support me without a second thought. Everyone made me feel like I was part of the team from day one and I feel this boosted my confidence within the team. I was able to ask for assistance whenever it was needed.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship role at Go Beyond or another charity?
100%! An apprenticeship role can be daunting and scary, especially in a role you haven’t done before, but I have never felt so welcomed and supported in a role than with Go Beyond. The working culture is fantastic, and it has really helped me to develop my self-confidence, have the ‘get up and go’ feeling, and have a real job satisfaction from team members who admire my progress and achievements.
Feeling inspired? Look out for future apprenticeship opportunities on our vacancies page!
