Meet Hasan – Business Admin Apprentice at Creative Alliance

My name is Hasan, and I achieved a distinction in my Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship here at Creative Alliance. I chose the apprenticeship route because I wanted to gain real-world experience whilst continuing to learn and develop my professional skills.

I chose an apprenticeship as college was never an option for me as I learn by actions unlike the classroom learning at college. I previously did a level 2 in Business Administration Pre-Apprenticeship at Protocol Consultancy Services and then came to Creative Alliance for work experience. After spending 2 months here, I was offered a role to do the level 3 apprenticeship by John, who mentored me throughout my apprenticeship alongside Ellie.

An apprenticeship was ideal for me as I could learn whilst also having a day-to-day job, for me this was always the better option rather than going to college and being surrounded by distractions and classroom learning. There was also the bonus of being payed whilst learning which anyone would jump at.

My typical day involves creating, formatting and analysing data and learner progress from various platforms like OneFile, which is our learner E-Portfolio system and Pics, which is where all data for learners/employers is stored which directly links to the ILR (individualised learner record). I track learner progress weekly and share this with colleagues. I also deal with external and internal inquiries, ensuring I complete what they ask from me. I also do the normal admin-related tasks such as attending and creating meetings, checking email and planning my week/day.

The apprenticeship has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I came into the apprenticeship quiet and extremely shy, but working with this team has helped me become much more confident in myself and my abilities. My communication, time management and attention to detail have improved massively, which helps me with my confidence and ability to do any task asked form colleagues.

The advice I would give to someone starting an apprenticeship is that mistakes don’t mean failure. Look at your mistakes and think about how you could have done better or what you could have changed. Don’t be afraid to be open and ask questions, you are an apprentice, so colleagues will be expecting you to ask questions and will be happy to help. Make sure you make a good impression with colleagues, smile and make conversation and ensure you have a good work relationship with your colleagues. One thing that helped me a lot is shadowing colleagues and asking them various questions about their role, seeing their skills and watching their work helped me understand how to use various systems and software’s and has helped me grow in my role.

Before starting the apprenticeship, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take. Now, I have a much clearer idea of the kind of roles I enjoy and the skills I want to build. It’s given me the confidence to aim higher and plan the next steps in my career. The apprenticeship has given me transferable skills to be able to carry to any role related to IT and data.

These are the kind of professional and transferable skills I wouldn’t have been able to get from college without this hands-on experience of learning and working.