An Interview with Modern Apprentice, Ellen Feerick

Why did you decide to do a Modern Apprenticeship? 

I was contacted by Pam to ask if I was interested in doing a Modern Apprenticeship.  I was aware of other colleagues who had completed similar courses and they had given positive feedback on it and the impact on their role. When going through the units I identified many that I would be able to do and work into my role and I was interested in the course so as I could develop my skills further.   

What sort of meta-skills have you learnt as part of your Modern Apprenticeship? 

I have learnt that I am a strong communicator and easily able to adapt my style and methods of communication to suit different individuals and groups. I find that my social intelligence is strong and I am also good at recognising when others may need support and when their workload is heavy and I am conscious to not ask too much of them. Completing meta skills brought to my attention how much I use these skills on a daily basis and made me more aware of areas that I should use them in.  
 
Self management is also an area that I have strong skills, on a daily basis I work independently for most of the day and I am able to prioritise and complete tasks without much instruction. I use my own initiative on how to complete tasks.  

Ellen pictured front, left with colleagues and Baxter Bear at the 2024 Star Awards

How has doing a Modern Apprenticeship helped you in your day to day job? 

It has made me more aware of the skills that I have and areas where I could develop these further. It has encouraged me to look at alternative ways to carry out tasks and areas where I can support others not just in business support but also in operations.  

What is the most rewarding part of your Modern Apprenticeship? 

I have identified skills that I was unaware of and I have become more aware of the importance of them to my role. I have been able to develop these which has given me more confidence in my role.  

Which part of doing a Modern Apprenticeship has been the most interesting?  What have you really enjoyed? 

It has also given me the opportunity to research other areas such as SSSC codes of practice that I was not so familiar with before starting the course. I am now much more aware of these and how they impact my role where as previously I would have thought that these codes were only associated with operational roles.

I have also been able to develop my ICT skills and use ICT methods that I had not used before which will help me in my role.  

What has been the most surprising thing about doing a Modern Apprenticeship? 

It has drawn attention to the different ways that I support others across the organisation and the importance of how I use the skills I have to support them.  

What would you say to someone thinking of doing a Modern Apprenticeship? 

I would encourage them to look into it more and explore the modules that there are that will fit in with their role.