Flo Tomlinson
Business Administration Apprenticeship
When did you join Aster and how (what were you studying/doing etc)
I joined Aster in September 2020 during COVID lockdown. I had originally applied for an apprenticeship in January 2020 after seeing an advert in the local newspaper. I got invited to the assessment day but was unsuccessful in that role, however I got offered a different apprenticeship in Business Administration Level 3 in the Business Support Team instead, which I accepted! There were some delays due to the lockdown, but I officially started on the 1st September 2020.
Why were you interested in an apprenticeship?
So, when I was at college, I had no clue on what I wanted to do. I knew that I did not want to go to university so was looking into other options. I had heard about apprenticeships from career days at school but not really looked into them too much. I then saw an advertisement for Aster in a newspaper and had a look into what they had to offer.
How was your apprenticeship journey, how did you find the learning and support?
My apprenticeship journey was amazing, I really enjoyed learning and developing as a young individual. I had no previous experience working in an office environment before so learning while studying was the perfect way to start my career journey. The support was amazing not only from my team but from all colleagues in Aster especially the apprenticeship partner. I was respected just like any other colleague but also given so many opportunities to grow and learn. I met so many colleagues around the business and learnt so many skills in my apprenticeship journey.
What skills did your apprenticeship give you?
My apprenticeship gave me so much confidence not only as an employee but as a person. The key skills I learnt while studying for my Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship were, communication and customer service skills- I met and liaised with all areas of the business, learning about colleagues needs and providing high quality service. I learnt about project management in my end point assessment of my apprenticeship, where I assisted in the planning and execution of business projects. I learnt about financial administration and IT skills, all of which have transferred to my current role and I use daily. As well as many others, the list is endless!
What happened after you completed?
I completed my apprenticeship in March 2022; after getting a distinction grade and winning apprentice of the year, I secured a permanent position on the business support team. This was the perfect position for me as I was liaising with colleagues from all areas of Aster from different roles. This then helped me secure my current position as Learning Co-ordinator in the Talent Learning and Organisational Development team. I had already worked with half of the team so felt really easy establishing my position in the team and learning my role.
Tell us about working in the L&OD team and now supporting other learners in your role?
Being in the talent Learning and Organisational Development team is great, we all are so supportive and really want the best for each other. In my role I help facilitate all of our health and safety training for our maintenance staff, to ensure they are all certified, as well as helping colleagues from across the business with their learning queries and self-development requests. It does feel like a full circle moment now being in the learning team, as I can now help others who wish to further their learning and develop in their career.
What would you say to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
I would say go for it, it is such an amazing way to develop and grow in your career. There is no better way to learn than on the job itself, you really get to put your learning into practice and further your education.
