Bradley, Planning and Growth

What is your role?

I work in the Business Admin support team, we deal with Environmental Health, Planning, Licensing, Public Health and Housing. The job is very vast!

When did you start here?

I started this role on 13 January 2020 and I am due to finish my apprenticeship in June 2021.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I wanted to gain some experience of what it is like to learn on the job and I can say that I have thoroughly enjoyed it and still enjoy it.

Did you come with GCSEs or A Levels?

I have GCSEs, English, just need to re-take my maths exam again.

Did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to do?

I wanted to go into the retail industry, I had been in Retail for four years whilst studying Business and Tourism Level 1, Business Level 2, and Travel and Tourism Level 3. But then I wasn’t enjoying my job so I started looking and never thought of looking at West Suffolk Council but I am glad I did as that has given me some perspective on what I want to do in the future, I am hoping to stay on in the team I am in or progress into the planning team and work my way up.

Why did you decide to work here?

I had heard lots of good things from people outside, saying it’s a good place to work, they look after you, better opportunities.

What did you know about the council before you joined and what  have you learnt about it so far?

That there was a wide range of departments that work as one council. I have learnt that the flexibility of working is much more relaxed than previous jobs I have been in. In my other jobs we had strict break times, it was more intense. In my other jobs I had to look after so many members of staff whilst on and making sure they take their breaks on time, I don’t need to worry about that now!

What apprenticeship are you undertaking, and do you have future plans?

Business Administration Level 3, I am hoping with this qualification, I can go onto other admin type jobs within the council or go into the Planning team.

What do you enjoy about working here?

The staff are very nice and welcoming, the flexible working pattern is always good.

Apart from your apprenticeship, have you had other opportunities to learn and develop, job-shadow or to be involved in different projects?

It is always helpful to expand my knowledge with different learning events the council put on for staff, I find these useful. I would like to shadow the planning team and see what they do.

What advice would you give to future applicants?

I would say, this opportunity doesn’t come very often, and if this is the right path for you, grab it, there are many opportunities within the council that you can take advantage of, and staff are on hand for help and advice.