<p><img alt="Georgia Stanbridge, Apprentice" class="ec-pad" data-align="right" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d490aa60-430d-4479-8b96-b3e32af4770d" height="375" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Georgia%20SQ.png" />Hi, I’m Georgia, an apprentice at Weston College.</p>

<p>I started my Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship in May 2021 working in the Employment Services Department. It has been such a fantastic experience for me, and I have actually already received a promotion as an Account Co-ordinator within the West of England Works Team – whilst still completing my apprenticeship.</p>

<p>I didn’t start an apprenticeship fresh out of school or college, I was actually working in a full-time, permanent position, however I felt I wanted to gain a qualification whilst continuing to earn a wage. It was at this point I looked down the apprenticeship route.</p>

<p>After researching further into the different apprenticeship routes available, I decided that the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship was perfect for me. I feel that an apprenticeship gives you the perfect balance between work and study and this is just what I was after.  </p>

<p>My apprenticeship has provided me with so many opportunities, and it has really helped me to develop a number of key skills, which will benefit me in my career.</p>

<p>One of the biggest skills I was able to learn and improve during my apprenticeship was my Digital Skills. I had the opportunity to complete my Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel Certifications and I was able to earn the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate Level Certification.</p>

<p>My apprenticeship has also helped me gain confidence in communicating with external stakeholders, as I have built the skills which enable me to communicate professionally and confidently. This has really benefited me in my new role, as I am required to communicate regularly with the external partners from the West of England Works Project. </p>

<p>If you’re reading this and considering an apprenticeship, you should definitely go for it! It will open new doors to you, and give you many transferable skills which will help you to achieve your career goals.</p>

<p>Not only that, the support available is second to none. I have received support from my assessor, manager and colleagues, which has meant that the whole process of my apprenticeship has been smooth and manageable.</p>

<p>Thanks to my apprenticeship, I have been able to start my career and I am excited to see what the future holds for me.</p>

<p><em>Georgia Stanbridge, Account Co-ordinator within the West of England Works Team</em></p>

<p>If you'd like to follow in Georgia's footsteps with an apprenticeship, you can start your journey, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma…;

<p>Five learners who recently completed their apprenticeships with independent UK law firm Burges Salmon, have received their final grades, achieving a distinction – the highest grade possible.</p>

<p>The five learners, who were all studying a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/business-and-m… Administration Level 3</a> apprenticeship with the Bristol based firm, are:</p>

<ul>
<li>Jack&nbsp;</li>
<li>Sophie&nbsp;</li>
<li>Lauren&nbsp;</li>
<li>Isobel&nbsp;</li>
<li>Gemma&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>Now that they have completed their apprenticeship, they have each gained employment with Burges Salmon, which was recently named ‘Community Engagement Law Firm of the Year’ at the Bristol Law Society Awards 2021 and also this month won CSR Initiative of the Year at The Legal Week British Legal Awards 2021.</p>

<p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, says: “This is a fantastic achievement for each of the five apprentices, who have shown their talent and displayed their tremendous attitude by attaining these grades.</p>

<p>“We are so proud that they have all progressed into employment as well, something which isn’t easy in the current climate, and is further proof how impressive they have been, not just in their studies but in their work as well.”</p>

<p>Robert Halton, Chief People Officer at Burges Salmon, adds: “We are really pleased with the performance of our apprentices and the development of apprenticeships on a wider basis is great for the overarching aim of social mobility and educational attainment within the context of the working environment.”</p>

<p>If you’d like to find out more about how we can support your business, you can do so, here: <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/employers">https://www.weston.ac.uk/employers<…;

<p><img alt="Burges Salmon apprentices" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf01bc4c-4a86-49ea-bf55-124c198a4c85" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Burges%20Salmon%20apprentices.png" /></p>

<p>Joe Martin, an Apprentice Sheet Metal Fabricator at GKN Aerospace, won the title of Engineering Apprentice of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards 2016.</p>

<p>Now in the sixth year, the awards recognise the exceptional achievements of employers and apprentices across a range of industries.</p>

<p>Joe was chosen as the engineering category winner by a panel of judges and was presented with his award on stage by keynote speaker, Sally Gunnell.</p>

<p>Joe is a natural leader within the group and has been invited to work on a go-kart which the second year apprentices are constructing. Joe has had to use his skills to manufacture parts of the titanium structure (which include the seat structure, brake mounts as well as other key components) while ensuring that they fit correctly.</p>

<p>Joe said: “While I was at school I was encouraged to stay on and complete the sixth form and then see if I could gain a place at university. All this I achieved but after a while I decided that this was not the path I wanted for my career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I looked at apprenticeships but then I thought I may be too old. A friend told me that GKN Aerospace were taking on apprentices and upon applying it made me realise that I wanted to take a hands-on approach into gaining a career and an apprenticeship seemed to be the best way to do this.</p>

<p>“I really enjoy being an apprentice. I attend Weston College four days a week and work the other day at GKN, learning new skills which will help me in my career; all this and I get paid.</p>

<p>“My future plans are to complete my Level 2 apprenticeship, then my Level 3, establish myself as a skilled fabricator, then become a team leader and finally part of the management team.”</p>

<p>His employer said: “Joe has applied himself fully to all aspects of work at GKN and has performed to a high standard throughout the first year of his apprenticeship. He is one of our highest performers and has become the natural leader amongst our first years. All our other first years gravitate towards Joe for answers to engineering problems.”</p>

<p>GKN Aerospace also won two business awards at the ceremony: Large Business Employer of the Year and the overall Employer of the Year 2016 title.</p>

<p>For more information on the Weston College Business Awards visit: <a href="http://www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards">www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards…;