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We caught up with Claire Roberts from St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School, part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, to hear about her experience completing the School Business Professional Level 5 apprenticeship with us at Access Training.
From balancing a full-time role and studying alongside bringing up her young child, to gaining the knowledge and confidence to take on greater responsibility, Claire shares what she learned from the apprenticeship, the support she received and her advice for anyone considering the same pathway.
How do you feel having completed your apprenticeship?
I’m super proud of myself for completing this apprenticeship alongside a full time job, being pregnant and bringing up my young toddler.
Why did you choose the School Business Professional Level 5 apprenticeship?
I chose to do the apprenticeship not only to support me in being the best in my current role but also for career progression opportunities.
What were the most valuable things you learned?
Understanding how my role fits into the bigger picture.
How has the apprenticeship changed how you feel in your role?
Now I have gained much more knowledge in key knowledge areas, I feel I’m ready to take on more responsibility within my organisation as I have the knowledge to support this.
What challenges did you face, and how did you manage them?
My biggest challenge was balancing full time work, studying and bringing up my young child. By having a clear routine for studying (with the support from my husband) I was able to ensure I gave my apprenticeship the time needed to complete the relevant activities, reading and studying.
What support did you receive from the school and training provider?
I was very grateful to my Headteacher and School Business Manager for giving me the time I needed to attend the apprenticeship sessions. They both included me on many different aspects of school life including meetings, projects and giving me extra responsibility to push me in my apprenticeship.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about this apprenticeship?
My biggest piece of advice would be to be organised. Balancing work life and studying is not easy but by being organised and ensuring set time each week helped me to ensure I was able to keep on top of my apprenticeship. I would also say that it’s important to be open and honest with your line manager to ensure they can offer the right support when needed.
What are you most looking forward to when you return from maternity leave?
When I return from maternity leave I’m most looking forward to returning to my current and using the knowledge I have gained in my apprenticeship to support me in my role. Once I’m settled back in, I’ll be looking forward to the next career opportunity that arises.
Claire’s experience shows how an apprenticeship can support both professional development and longer-term career progression, while allowing learning to be applied directly in the workplace.
If you’d like to find out more about the School Business Professional Level 5 apprenticeship and how it could support your school or organisation, get in touch with our team to discuss the next steps.
Gateshead-based Access Training provides upskilling courses and apprenticeships in HR, project management, team leading and management, accountancy, business administration, learning & skills teaching, and fire, emergency & security systems.
We have been delivering training programmes for businesses and individuals across the North East for over 40 years. We have a genuine interest in the success of the companies we work with and the people we train, and we aim to provide a personal, bespoke service.