Thursdays became my favourite days!
Melissa was a Foundation Apprentice at Skills Development Scotland is now studying a law degree. Melissa explains how the apprenticeship experience helped her become less shy and more comfortable in unfamiliar environments.
I’m Melissa and I was a Foundation Apprentice in the CPPR (Corporate Planning and Performing Reporting team) at Skills Development Scotland.
I took part in many different tasks, but the two that stand out to me the most were presenting to the senior leadership, mentors and people managers at the 2023 Scottish Apprenticeship Week Showcase with the other Foundation Apprentices, as well as making a booklet on health and safety procedures at Skills Development Scotland.
Presenting was something I really struggled with at school, so having to present at the Apprenticeship Showcase helped me a lot. Presenting doesn’t feel as nerve wracking now as it once did, which is great as I’m now at university studying a law degree!
Going into the Foundation Apprenticeship, I’ll admit I was nervous about entering an office environment for the first time – talking to new people was difficult for me and something I really had to try hard to overcome. But my people manager and mentor made me feel really welcome which helped a lot.
My school didn’t offer higher business as a subject, so I did a Foundation Apprenticeship as an alternative. Honestly, I didn’t really know what I was getting into and didn’t know I had work experience until my second year. The work experience was great through - Thursdays became my favourite days! Getting out of school for a full day each week definitely benefited me; I gained so many great experiences and skills from my people manager and mentor.
I think the main thing I’ve taken forward from my Foundation Apprenticeship is being able to talk to new people more easily, as well as being comfortable going into unfamiliar environments – I don’t get as nervous as I used to.
I would say if someone is thinking of doing a Foundation Apprenticeship they should do it! It gives you an insight into the real world of work and what happens daily. Also, you learn a bunch of skills that you can carry into a job or further studying. I absolutely loved my time at Skills Development Scotland and would go back in a heartbeat!
Scottish Apprenticeship Week
Scottish Apprenticeship Week celebrates the benefits apprenticeships bring to individuals, businesses and the economy.
The theme for this year’s campaign is Skills Generation, recognising that apprenticeships create the skills every generation needs and every employer wants. This year’s campaign shows that apprenticeships give people high-quality opportunities that supports them to achieve their full potential.
Find out more by visiting apprenticeships.scot/scotappweek