Apprentice Stories

Joining Leigh Academies Trust as a Receptionist/Administrator Apprentice in 2019 completely opened my eyes to the multitude of career opportunities that can be gained through completing a Level 3 Business Administration qualification. At the start of my journey, I didn’t know what path I was going to choose, but from the consistent support and encouragement from my colleagues and wider academy teams, I am now enjoying the beginning of a very promising and fulfilling career in the recruitment team!

Starting an apprenticeship was one of the best decisions I have made as it really did help me to plan my next steps and gave me the opportunities to experience different routes that were being offered to me.

Recruitment Administrator
Business Administration, Level 3

I started my Level 3 Business Admin Apprenticeship, alongside my job as receptionist at Leigh Academies Trust in 2018 and from the outset, my manager and colleagues were very welcoming. I enjoyed completing my apprenticeship and loved having the opportunity to experience how each department worked at head office. Once I had completed my course, my manager supported me on the transition from receptionist to Personal Assistant to Academies Directors, I couldn’t have done this without the support of everyone at LAT. Without completing the apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have the opportunities and experience I do today.

PA to Academies Directors
Business Administration, Level 3

I cannot thank LAT enough for supporting me through my recent CIPD apprenticeship. After working within HR for a number of years I was very keen to undertake my professional qualifications and further my understanding of the industry. I was delighted to be given the opportunity to do this within a role that I love. I really enjoyed returning to learning after quite some time out of the ‘classroom’ and putting the theory I was learning into practice within my role was invaluable. I received a huge amount of support from my manager and department and was given the flexibility to complete my studies and assignments around my working week. Completing my apprenticeship whilst working from home and homeschooling presented many challenges but my manager was always there to give me advice and encouragement. I had a huge sense of achievement on completion of my course and thank the support of LAT for allowing me to fulfill my potential.

People Advisor
HR Consultant/Partner, Level 5

I first started my career at LAT, in October 2019 as a Finance Assistant Apprentice. I felt very welcomed and felt I had been working there for years previously. My manager assisted me with my Apprenticeship work with full support. She was also very patient with me while I learnt the job and was able to give me new responsibilities as time went on. After a year, I was then offered a full-time position within the Trust, as a Finance Assistant which I am very grateful for. Within my team I constantly feel supported and recognised for the work I complete. Although I am young, I feel respected and treated the same as those with years of experience. The Trust has helped me to gain confidence in my work and helped me learn to love a job.

Finance Assistant
Assistant Accountant, Level 3

I have worked in my role as Office Manager for a Leigh Academies Trust School for nearly three years and have been studying the Chartered Manager qualification for seven months. Working in a school office can be incredibly diverse and fast paced and no day is ever the same. With my apprenticeship I like the structure of working towards an accreditation that compliments my role and offers continuous professional development. LAT have been excellent at supporting the whole process, from applying and onboarding to completing my first term and final module assignment. The opportunity to study for a degree alongside my job has been a fantastic one, which I am incredibly grateful for. The skills and experience combined are invaluable and are a great foundation for me to begin building a life long career with.

Office Manager
Chartered manager (degree), Level 6