To celebrate National Apprenticeship week, we caught up with Charlotte, Business Admin Apprentice at Warwick. She spoke about why she applied for the role, her thoughts on the programme so far and any top tips to those interested in an apprenticeship.
Why did you join CitySprint’s apprenticeship programme?
I applied for an apprenticeship through CitySprint as I have always had a real passion for people. After studying Business at college and working for Marks and Spencer for 3 years, I gained vast knowledge of how a business truly works. I put the theory into practice. I’ve worked in a range of areas: customer service, operations, display, being a leader on the regional Business Improvement Group, mentoring and training new employees. I am always looking to develop and progress; I was ready to take that next step elsewhere.
What is the best thing about being an apprentice?
The best thing about being an apprentice, is learning while on the job and getting paid to get a qualification at the end. For me, working in operations and
logistics is giving me a greater understanding to what I already know. I work alongside an amazing, experienced team who are training me up to have the best knowledge and to be a confident Co-ordinator. Learning while on the job is
a great way to improve your communication, teamwork, and multitasking skills.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given at CitySprint?
“Believe in yourself”. At the start of any new job, it can feel very overwhelming, with lots of
new information to remember and digest. Everyone doubts themselves and I initially thought ‘this is going to take me ages to remember all this new internal system and new information.’ I’ve surprised myself by how much I have learnt in the four months I’ve been at CitySprint by inducting our new starter, Manny.
What have you learnt about yourself so far?
My resilience and dedication. Working partly in customer service, you get the good the bad and the ugly, but no matter what the situation I always dedicate my time to help customers/couriers to the best of my ability. Everyone has been the newbie before, no matter how challenging tasks can get, you’re doing your best and that’s all that matters. If someone had told me 18 months ago all the things I have achieved, I honestly wouldn’t have believed them. No matter life throws at you, you really can persist through it all.
What’s been your favourite memory since joining?
My favourite memory of my time at City Sprint so far was celebrating my 21
st Birthday in January. My team surprised me by singing happy birthday, giving me a cake, goodie bag and card from everyone. Even the detail of a 21 topper on the cake, it was so thoughtful 😊. Also at Christmas, it was so lovely how generous all the couriers we work with were, bringing us all gifts and treats to say thank you and Merry Christmas.
Would you recommend applying for an apprenticeship?
Yes – it’s a wonderful way to start your career, especially if you aren’t sure what you want to do. An apprenticeship lets you get practical experience as you learn and there are lots of separate roles you can take on. Hopefully, this will lead to a successful career in something you enjoy.
Can you tell me a little about you outside of work?
Outside work I love seeing my friends and family. I love fashion, design, and skincare, as well as going out to nice places to eat. I love to travel, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited an extensive list of countries.
One last question; what are your plans for the next five years?
In the next five years, I hope to learn as much as I can about how a business works so that one day, I can have my own business. My Mum is my true inspiration and role model and I hope to be just as successful as her one day.
Any last thoughts?
I just want to take the opportunity to thank my team who have helped me along this journey so far and made me feel so welcome here at Warwick - Hayley, Sarah, Zoran, Carrie, Anna, Haz and everyone else. And thank you to Gemma for your continual support check ins 😊.
Our apprenticeship partners Hawk Training and The Tess Group start recruiting for new apprentices in July for candidates to start their programmes in September so if you are interested in pursuing a CitySprint apprenticeship keep an eye on our vacancy list and social pages.
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