Alice Arthur, Support Apprentice and Sofia Riccio, Legal Apprentice.

Why did you apply for an apprenticeship?

Alice: I believe apprenticeships are a fantastic experience in the working world. Plus, as a whole, the hands-on training gives you a real opportunity to put your skills into practice and helps you to gain more confidence in a working environment, whilst also allowing you to develop new skills. This was my main motivation to apply for apprenticeships.

Sofia: I applied for an apprenticeship as I knew that I didn’t want to go to university. I have always preferred the idea of studying whilst working, and I thought an apprenticeship would be the best route for me.

What are the main benefits the scheme can offer?

Alice: Overall, aside from the qualification, the scheme gives access to a great support network, which is very helpful in offering any guidance or advice.

Sofia: Firstly, the main financial benefit is that there are no student debts gained and you are paid a full-time salary whilst studying. Secondly, the array of skills that can be learnt during an apprenticeship highlights the progression that can be made within a short period of time.

You’ve joined just a few weeks ago. How have these first few weeks been?

Alice: I have thoroughly enjoyed my first few weeks. Everyone at Aspect has been so welcoming and understanding. If I have had any queries or questions they have been so forthcoming with advice or guidance, which I have been very grateful for. Also, initially I was very nervous and apprehensive about starting the apprenticeship virtually, however I feel completely at ease now and comfortable in my new role as a support apprentice, which I believe is entirely down to everyone at Aspect being so welcoming, which I am very thankful for.

Sofia: It is nerve-wracking joining a new company virtually in addition to being a recent school-leaver. However, everyone at Aspect has been so supportive and welcoming towards me. Aspect’s culture reflects a true collaborative and community minded working environment. I’m so grateful to be working in a company where I feel valued and supported throughout my apprenticeship.

Any pieces of advice to those considering an apprenticeship?

Alice: Not to be cliché but genuinely it is to be entirely yourself within the interview process, as by overthinking and trying to rehearse answers to particular questions that could be asked you can sound robotic and ingenuine, and that will definitely come across in the interview. This was a massive learning curve for me and I realised that I just had to work out what skills and attributes I had that would make me a good candidate for the role and to make sure I showed that during my interview.

Sofia: An apprenticeship provides many invaluable experiences on-the-job and professional lifelong skills which are important for a professional career. My main advice is to be open minded and most importantly go for it!