#AskAnApprentice

Drew Blakeborough, who works in the nuclear sector, recently achieved a Distinction in his Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship after studying at Furness College.
On Wednesday 5th February, we welcomed Drew back to our Channelside campus to share his experience of the end-point assessment and host a Q&A session for current Business Administration apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week 2020.
Drew said: “After doing my A Levels, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I initially got a full-time job, but after a few years, I started for applying for ‘careers’ instead of looking for another ‘job’. I was successful in my hunt for a new career and was accepted onto a Business Administration Apprenticeship in the nuclear sector.
“I was nervous about working in the sector at first but I learned a lot about working in the nuclear environment. I completed my first apprenticeship in 2017 and was then offered a role in Admin Support. My manager believed that a higher qualification in Business Administration would be good for my progression, so I enrolled on the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at Furness College.
“Now I’ve completed my qualification, I’m hoping to progress internally in my organisation and make use of the skills, knowledge and behaviour gained during my apprenticeship.
“I’d advise other apprentices to work hard, be proactive and focus on their goals.”
Drew’s Q&A session was attended by 20 Level 3 Business Administration apprentices, who are all working towards their end-point assessment.
Belle McNally said: “Drew’s talk was extremely helpful. I feel a lot more confident about the end-point assessment and presentation after speaking to Drew.”
Harry Stainton said: “The presentation was very insightful and it answered a lot of questions I had about the end-point assessment. I feel a lot more prepared now.”
Connor Dermody added: “It was great to hear Drew’s first-hand experience of his end-point assessment. He shared some great tips about completing an apprenticeship and the whole group found it really useful.”