Leon joined the ACL Commercial team as a Business Administration Apprentice and has been supporting the Business Development team to engage with businesses, learners, and organisations to promote ACL opportunities.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I decided to start an apprenticeship because I didn’t feel ready for a full time business role. I wanted to learn all about the industry and gain work experience at the same time. I made the right decision because I have learnt so much just within my first couple of months including Microsoft Office, emailing, attending and contributing in meeting and promoting ACL. I am very grateful for this Apprenticeship experience ACL has provided me.
How have you found the apprenticeship during Covid?
Starting my first apprenticeship from home has been hard, I haven’t had the experience of working in an office building. However, it hasn’t been as hard as I thought it would be because I still communicate with my team daily and everyone provides support to me if I need it. Communication is not a problem and it is nice not having to commute to work every morning! We’re very lucky with technology that we can work remotely, and I am very grateful that ACL has provided me the technology to be able to work from home. For me, the only thing missing is not seeing people physically in the workplace or in a classroom.
What are your career goals? What would you like to do after your apprenticeships?
When I started my apprenticeship, I didn’t fully know what I wanted to be or do as a career. So, I came in wanting to learn all about business and marketing. The great thing about this apprenticeship is the fact I’m seeing and learning all different job roles within the industry, and what each person does for the company. My manager is also allowing me to work with different teams in different departments, so I get the full experience of participating in different tasks.
What would you say to someone who may be thinking about starting an apprenticeship?
I think people should start apprenticeships! I continue to learn new things each day. I’m glad I chose an apprenticeship because I’m gaining qualifications as well as working. You don’t have anything to lose, only experience and knowledge to gain! It’s the perfect time to start one.
We offer apprenticeships at levels 2 through to 5 in a range of sectors. Programmes are suitable if you’re leaving school or college, looking for a change of career or already in work but requiring new skills to support a promotion or change of job role. For more information and list of apprenticeships, please click here.
We are running free online information sessions for both those interested in an apprenticeship and employers looking to recruit or upskill their staff. These will be running during National Apprenticeship Week on Thursday 11th February. If you are interested in signing up to one of these sessions, please click here.
