Business administration

Callum

Callum Etherington joined us in September 2020 as a business admin apprentice in Bereavement Services studying for a Level 3 qualification in business admin which will take up to two years to complete.

Callum is really enjoying his apprenticeship which involves arranging interments, memorial applications, deed transfers and liaising with funeral directors and the general public.

Callum said, 'Starting my apprenticeship during the pandemic has meant that I am working from home, but it's been surprisingly straight forward. My colleagues, line manager and college tutor are very supportive making sure there's a balance between working on the job and my course work'.

Although Callum is working from home, using Microsoft Teams means Callum can stay in touch with the Apprenticeship Team and with other apprentices and this online support has really helped him settle in.

Callum chose an apprenticeship rather than continuing his education as he thought an apprenticeship would offer him the opportunity to gain a qualification and work experience at the same time.

He chose to apply for an apprenticeship with us because of the large range of services we offer and the opportunities for career development.

Callum said, 'My apprenticeship has helped me develop new skills and gain valuable work experience. I would recommend an apprenticeship as the first step on the career ladder,'

Callum has recently been appointed to a permanent role in the team and will continue studying for his qualification.

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Andrew

Before starting his apprenticeship with us, Andrew had been unemployed since December 2017. He began working with Durham Enable in 2022 and after attending a meeting at the job centre to discuss apprenticeships, he was excited by the opportunities the council had to offer.

Since joining the council, Andrew supports the Building Control team in the resources directorate and is working to achieve his Level 3 qualification with DurhamLearn.

He is working in a small yet busy department supporting with data entry. He is also involved with the planning department, attending regular design and review meetings, learning about urban design and information about new build estates across the county.

Andrew's apprenticeship has given him the opportunity to develop his admin and data entry experience, allowing him to build upon his previously achieved level 2 business admin qualification.

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Sophie

Sophie was finding it difficult to find employment and thought part of the problem was the range of skills and experience she currently had. An apprenticeship was a great way into full time employment and allowed Sophie to gain experience, skills and kick-start her career.             

Sophie chose us because of the wide range of job roles we offer and our commitment to supporting residents and employees with disabilities. As a Business Admin Level 3 apprentice Sophie works in our payments team, her apprenticeship lasts for two years and provides on the job training which Sophie sees as a key benefit of an apprenticeship. Sophie has already improved her communication skills, which she can use both in and outside the workplace, this includes taking minutes at meetings which needs her to note information while still participating fully in the discussions taking place.   

Being part of a team has been great for Sophie, who enjoys the opportunities to talk and learn from her team and manager. As someone who is neurodivergent Sophie has found it easy to fit in and get along with her colleagues who she finds supportive as she develops into her role.