Shona Cullens

Shona Cullens, 16, Clayton-le-Woods Office Junior at Napthens Solicitors Attended: St. Michael’s C of E High School, Chorley Learning provider: Preston College Business Services Qualifications: 6 GCSEs – Grades D - F NVQ 1 in Business Administration Apprenticeship in Business Administration	How did you find the Apprenticeship programme? As I undertook the NVQ Level 1 in Business Administration whilst I was at school as part of the 14-16 programme, I knew this was the avenue I wanted to continue down. My attention was brought to the Apprenticeship programme by my school as it enabled me to continue with the qualification I had already accomplished. Why an Apprenticeship? I liked the idea of continuing with my Business Administration qualification whilst being able to earn a wage, and although I did want to continue my education, I felt that I was ready to move out of the classroom and into the workplace. A Day in the Life In a typical day for me, as Office Junior at Napthens Solicitors, my duties can be quite varied. I am required to work on reception, greeting clients and answering the phones. This is something I particularly enjoy, as I like to meet new people. In the time I have worked for Napthens, I feel the tasks I have been given to undertake have altered, I am now given more responsibility and definitely feel like part of the team. My job also includes photocopying and computer work as well as banking runs for the company. What Skills have you learnt? Whilst working at Napthens, I have become massively more confident, I think some of this stems from being a valued member of the Napthens team. I have learned improved ways of communicating with people at all different levels, I recognise communications skills are very important so value this development greatly. My IT skills have also improved significantly whilst working at Napthens. Using the computer at work, in a real life situation has helped me to apply my previous knowledge and learn new more effective ways of working with IT in the workplace.	Best bit I thoroughly enjoy working within the established team at Napthens and I love every opportunity I have to meet new people. Worst bit I can’t really think of any particular aspect of my job that I dislike – I guess getting used to getting up early for work every morning. Ambition/Future Career Plan I am hoping to be able to transfer the skills I gain during my Apprenticeship programme carried out at Napthens to eventually become an Administration Officer in the RAF. Hobbies I enjoy travelling, that is why I aspire to working in the RAF one day. I am also the leader of a Brownies pack in the Preston area… and of course I like shopping! What do you think of the Apprenticeship programme? My experience of the Apprenticeship programme has been very enjoyable. I have liked the fact that I have been able to gain qualifications, skills and experience of work, all whilst earning a wage. The idea of learning outside the classroom suits me down to the ground and I am relishing the independence I have been given. Her Employer says Bob Kipling, Practice Manager at Napthens Solicitors said, ‘When Shona commenced work here at Napthens, it could be seen that the previous qualifications she had achieved would stand her in good stead for the type of work she would be undertaking. This filled me with confidence that as her training progressed, Shona would become increasingly competent at work. I am certainly happy with how Shona is coming along. ‘The Apprenticeship programme enables young people such as Shona to work within an industry whilst gaining formal qualifications. From my point of view, working with someone on the Apprenticeship programme enables me to tailor the on the job training to any specific needs of the company.’

How did you find the Apprenticeship programme?

As I undertook the NVQ Level 1 in Business Administration whilst I was at school as part of the 14-16 programme, I knew this was the avenue I wanted to continue down. My attention was brought to the Apprenticeship programme by my school as it enabled me to continue with the qualification I had already accomplished.

Why an Apprenticeship?

I liked the idea of continuing with my Business Administration qualification whilst being able to earn a wage, and although I did want to continue my education, I felt that I was ready to move out of the classroom and into the workplace.

A Day in the Life

In a typical day for me, as Office Junior at Napthens Solicitors, my duties can be quite varied. I am required to work on reception, greeting clients and answering the phones. This is something I particularly enjoy, as I like to meet new people.

In the time I have worked for Napthens, I feel the tasks I have been given to undertake have altered, I am now given more responsibility and definitely feel like part of the team. My job also includes photocopying and computer work as well as banking runs for the company.

What Skills have you learnt?

Whilst working at Napthens, I have become massively more confident, I think some of this stems from being a valued member of the Napthens team. I have learned improved ways of communicating with people at all different levels, I recognise communications skills are very important so value this development greatly.

My IT skills have also improved significantly whilst working at Napthens. Using the computer at work, in a real life situation has helped me to apply my previous knowledge and learn new more effective ways of working with IT in the workplace.