Following the completion of her A Levels in 2024, Âé¶¹´«Ã½ learner, Emily Thompson, decided she wanted to step into the world of work. She soon landed the position of Project Support OfficerÌýwithin Cardiff Council’s Major Projects Team. Alongside her role, she has undertaken an apprenticeship in Digital Skills for BusinessÌý– a qualification that goesÌýhand-in-handÌýwith her professional role.Ìý
“My qualification links to my work as a lot of the applicationsÌýI use day to dayÌý–Ìýsuch as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and ExcelÌý–ÌýareÌýcovered in my course,â€� Emily said. “ItÌýhelps me learn new skills as well as developÌýtheÌýskillsÌýI already have.â€�Ìý
Keen to continue learning after finishing school, Emily saw an apprenticeship as the ideal pathway to build her skills while gaining real-world experience.ÌýÌý
“I knew I wanted to continue to educate myself particularly in the digital world as most businessesÌýuseÌýdigital applications,â€� she explained.Ìý“IÌýthought that an apprenticeship was a great way to do that as I would be able to learn in a supportive environment.”Ìý
Throughout her course, Emily has enjoyed developing her understanding of databases and spreadsheets, which wereÌýareas sheÌýhadn’tÌýpreviously explored in depth.ÌýÌý
“At first, I found them really tricky to navigate and it was easy to make mistakes as I wasn’t confident or comfortable with using them,â€� she said.Ìý“Since learning about how to use databases, I feel I understand how to useÌýthemÌýmore and I am not as nervous to use them.”Ìý
Due to the nature of an apprenticeship,ÌýEmilyÌýhas been ableÌýto apply her learning directly in the workplace.ÌýWhetherÌýthat’sÌýthrough improving herÌýMicrosoft TeamsÌýknowledgeÌýto developing her SharePoint skills,ÌýEmily began to see the impact of her studiesÌýimmediately.ÌýÌý
“I was able to expand my knowledge on how to edit pages and add users within SharePoint. Undertaking the Digital Skills for Business qualification has been extremely useful as lots of the assessments, both mandatory and optional, have linked to my work which has helped me further develop in skill but also in confidence.”Ìý
Support from Âé¶¹´«Ã½ hasÌýalsoÌýplayed a role in Emily’s progressÌýas she receivesÌýregularÌýreviews,ÌýworkshopsÌýand communications fromÌýher tutor.ÌýÌý
“I have a monthly review with my assessor who reviews my works and provides any feedback to allow me to further improve,â€� she said.Ìý“In theseÌýsessionsÌýwe also talk about my own personal progress in work and my mental wellbeing.”Ìý
Workshops have also proven useful. Emily explained:Ìý“I haveÌýbeen able to attend some online workshops forÌýcertain assessments which have been extremely helpful as I have been able to ask any questions and get instant feedback.”Ìý
For those considering a similar course, Emily encourages learners to step outside their comfort zone and make the most of the opportunities available.ÌýÌýÌý
“While you may want to choose somethingÌýthatÌýyou are already comfortable with, it may also be a great opportunity to learn something new and be able to be supported with your learning by your assessor,â€� she said.Ìý
Looking ahead, Emily is excited about continuing her journey in the digital field.ÌýÌý
“While I’m not sure on what I want to do in the future, I can certainly say that I would like to continue to work in the digital space,â€� Emily explained.Ìý“I amÌývery passionate about sport so if I could find a job which could mix the two together then that would be great.â€�Ìý
IfÌýyou’reÌýlooking to follow in Emily’s footsteps and improve your digital skills, you can find out more about the Digital Skills for Business qualificationÌýhere.Ìý