The business and finance sector is a growth market in Merseyside, meaning there are a whole host of apprenticeship positions for you. Just look at the Government’s Apprenticeship search tool to see the array of positions on offer.
Finding the right apprenticeship can boost your career prospects and put you on the right path to better things. But, how do you work out what business apprenticeship is right for you when taking your first step?
Why not start by asking these three key questions:
1. What are you Good at?
Did you excel at Maths? Did you love learning how to network in IT? If it’s Maths you were good at, maybe an accountancy apprenticeship is for you. Reconciling sales against cash in a bank or working using SAGE will allow you to put your skills to the test. If it was IT that you loved, then applying your coding skills to a live website could be the right path for you. Studying a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in IT user skills or a Level 3 Diploma in IT user skills, whilst earning money, doing something you are good at, can’t be bad.
Not sure what skills you need for certain apprenticeships? Why not browse the Government Apprenticeship search tool and have a look at some vacancies. All will contain a section on desired skills. Do these match up to your skills? Can you prove it? If yes, then you have found the right apprenticeship for you.
If you can’t prove your love of IT or Maths, there are plenty of ways to get experience. Try volunteering at a local charity. Find local vacancies at www.doit.org or complete a free online course. There are plenty on offer at www.futurelearn.com
If you are not sure what skills you have, then why not take a skills audit online to see what you’re best.
2. What Personal Qualities do you Have?
Qualities are attributes or characteristics that you possess and are just as important to consider as skills. If you are good at communicating and staying calm under pressure, why not consider an apprenticeship in customer services? You could start with a Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service or even a Level 3 Diploma in Customer Service, leading you onto excellent prospects in a customer facing role.
However, if you are good at planning and organisation, why not consider an apprenticeship that leads to a Level 2 Certificate in Warehouse and Storage? The logistics sector is growing in the North West so this quality could lead to real prospects.
Qualities are less tangible than skills. Why not ask a friend or family member to name three qualities they admire about you and then look to see if they fit your potential apprenticeship?
3. Why do you Want to Work in the Business Sector?
Working out why you want to work in business can help you uncover your inner motivation, ultimately leading to job satisfaction.
So, ask yourself, do you want to go into business to make money? Do you want to be a leader? Do you want to go into business to give customers an outstanding experience? Whatever your answer, finding out what motivates you can help to steer your apprenticeship pathway. It’s no good taking on an accountancy apprenticeship if you are primarily motivated by offering great customer service.
Whatever you decide, make sure you’ve done your homework and that you have really thought through which apprenticeship is right for you. Deciding this is the first step on the pathway to success.