Apprenticeship – Kornelia
Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship
RNN Group apprentice, Kornelia Jasicka, has recently completed her Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship with local employer Straaltechniek UK. Kornelia chose the apprenticeship route after realising university was not the best option for her.
This is what she had to say about her experience…
Firstly, what interested you in doing an apprenticeship and choosing the apprenticeship you enrolled on to?
“After completing my A-levels in Business, Psychology and Sociology I knew that going to University was not something I was interested in, however I still wanted to further develop my qualifications. Therefore, I thought an apprenticeship was the best path to take as I would be able gain hands-on experience, which would make it easier to learn new skills and behaviours so that I could confidently develop within the workplace.”
How was the apprenticeship delivered and was it flexible to your needs?
“The apprenticeship was delivered in a very flexible way. I was taught a different topic each month and was able to complete tasks set whenever it best suited me throughout the month. I also liked being in a small group as it has allowed us to communicate easier and our tutor was able to focus on each individual.”
Kornelia“I thought an apprenticeship was the best path to take as I would be able gain hands-on experience, which would make it easier to learn new skills and behaviours so that I could confidently develop within the workplace.”
Do you feel that the college fully supported and guided you through your apprenticeship?
“My tutor has been very helpful throughout the apprenticeship by answering all the questions I had and helping me stay confident within the tasks I had to complete. I felt very comfortable with the feedback I was always given and in the ways I could continuously improve my work.”
What Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) did you develop both in the workplace and in college, as part of your apprenticeship?
“Throughout the apprenticeship I believe that I have gained many skills and behaviours due to carrying out different tasks such as using various communication methods, coaching/mentoring, presenting my work and looking at different types of analysis. The knowledge that I have acquired both on the course and through the job role has massively helped me with my professional development as I am able to complete most of my tasks independently with confidence.”
What do you feel has been your biggest achievement whilst on the apprenticeship?
“I believe that my biggest achievement whilst being on the apprenticeship was massively improving my communication skills, both face to face and over the phone. When I first started I would struggle to answer the phone to customers and also when calling suppliers, which has made it difficult for me to carry out my business tasks efficiently due to relying on emails.”
Kornelia“One piece of advice I would definitely like to give to future apprentices is to try and make revision cards or mind maps after completing each topic instead of leaving revision towards the end of the apprenticeship.”
How did you prepare for your End Point Assessment?
“I have prepared for my EPA by making sure I have created revision materials such as mind maps and revision cards that I could continuously look back on. I have also made sure to practice my presentation until I was confident that I knew what to say on each slide.”
What advice would you give to future apprentices coming onto the programme?
“One piece of advice I would definitely like to give to future apprentices is to try and make revision cards or mind maps after completing each topic instead of leaving revision towards the end of the apprenticeship. This is because it will provide them with already made notes when it comes to revising for EPA and it will give them more time to focus on practicing their presentation and interview.”
Now that you have completed your apprenticeship, how do you feel that it will support you going forward in the world of work?
“The apprenticeship has allowed me to be more confident within myself when it comes to speaking to larger groups of people, this is beneficial to me as it has encouraged me to communicate better with other departments when I require more information or when issues need solving.”
What are your next steps and future plans?
“After completing my Level 3 Business Apprenticeship at Straaltechniek UK, I have become an Internal Sales Administrator at the company. My next steps within the sales department would be to progress into the Internal Sales role and take on more responsibility to look after certain accounts. I look forward to further developing my knowledge for our products and improving my sales skills within the department.”
