National Apprenticeship Week 2024

"Apprenticeships are fast becoming one of the most advantageous ways of entering the world of work. As an apprentice, you have the opportunity to blend actual work, surrounded by experienced industry professionals, with a level of self-study and training that you would receive from a university degree. Roughly 80% of your time is spent working in a professional environment with the remaining 20% being spent learning specific content catered to your role. Not to mention, an apprenticeship is completely free AND you get paid.

“Being an experiential learner, I thought I would almost stagnate in learning by sitting in a lecture hall for hours upon end – so I decided to apply for the vacant Debt Origination Team Administrator Apprentice role at PIC in September 2022. The hiring process was rigorous, with multiple rounds of interviews and an assessment centre at the PIC offices. Being exposed to a process like that at the start of your career puts you in good stead for the future.
 
“During my first visit to the PIC offices, all applicants to the apprenticeship role were required to sit an assessment as well as attend a short interview with the Learning & Development team. My biggest takeaway from the visit, however, was meeting an apprentice graduate from the previous cohort of apprentices. He explained what the apprenticeship entailed and what the hours were like. I asked him how he found working at PIC to which he kept using the word culture. At that point, I didn’t really know how ‘different’ the culture could be at various companies, however looking back at my 15 months at PIC, the culture is what has kept me motivated to give 100% throughout my time here.

“Having to juggle working in a fast-paced, front office environment with learning course content and producing various reports/projects have come with its ups and downs however, my line manager and the Debt Origination team have been mentors in my development by being there to guide me every time I have required their input. They have helped me when I have needed help but have also consistently pushed me to reach my potential by widening my remit of tasks, as they knew I was capable of handling them. 
 
“Ultimately, I am glad I chose an apprenticeship over completing a university degree as it has helped me gain valuable experiences that are more beneficial to my career development than university may have been."