Clara, Learning and Development

What is your role?

I am an apprentice in the Learning and Development team.

When did you start here?

I started in April 2023, and I am due to finish in April 2025.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I was looking for a career change after moving to Bury St Edmund's, hoping to find a job, when I saw the apprenticeship advert on Indeed. I was intrigued and decided to apply for it.

Did you come with GCSEs or A Levels?

My certificates would be the equivalent of A Levels.

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

No, I was unsure what I wanted to do work wise, while looking for any job opportunity that would help me decide if I wanted to progress and build a career in the industry.

Why did you decide to work here?

The apprenticeship application intrigued me in such way, that I imagined myself in this role and the opportunities available after achieving my qualification.

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

Before joining I knew the bare minimum about the council, now I learned about all the things the council provides and is involved with.

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

I am working towards my Business Administrator Level 3 Qualification, after achieving this, my future plan is to find employment and build up my career using this qualification.

What do you enjoy about working here?

The people, everyone is so welcoming and kind to help, it makes it such a pleasure to come to work and enjoy it. Flexibility, it was something I had to get used to as well as remote work.

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

I had the opportunity to help with improving the work experience program, help with the interns 2023 and many other opportunities.

What advice would you give to future applicants?

Joining the West Suffolk Council’s team as an apprentice was one of the best choices I’ve made. If you’re not sure about what you want to do with your life, apply for an apprenticeship, work experience, graduate or internship programmes if applicable with West Suffolk Council.