Earning, Learning and Growing: A Level 3 Business Admin Apprentice's Story
At CLC, we’re proud to support the next generation of talent through our diverse range of CLC apprenticeships, helping individuals build strong foundations for successful careers. Recently, we caught up with Gracie McQuillan, a first-year Level 3 Business Admin Apprentice based at our Warrington branch.
Gracie shares how her Business Admin Apprenticeship at CLC has helped her grow in confidence, develop her new skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience. This shows why CLC is the ideal place to start an apprenticeship and build a rewarding career.
Questions
1.Can you tell me a bit about yourself and why you decided to do a CLC apprenticeship?
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I finished school, I always thought an apprenticeship was a good idea but didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I went to college for a year and didn’t enjoy what I began studying so decided to look for an apprenticeship. When I was looking for an apprenticeship, I realised that many opportunities could come from them and when I found CLC I realised that there was many that could come from working at CLC.
2. How do you feel you’ve grown personally and professionally since starting at CLC?
I feel both personally my confidence has grown a lot, as I met new people and continue to meet new people, also speaking on the phone and communicating over email. Working at CLC really helped me learn how to push myself and to realise that when an opportunity is there, I should take it.
Professionally, my communication skills, practical & IT experience have grown. My IT experience has grown because I use client’s software’s and others that I have learnt how to use. I have also learnt how a business works, how every department is included in operations.
3. How do you balance hands-on work with classroom learning?
My apprenticeship is set out, so I go to college for a 12 week in a local college where I completed coursework there. This was one day a week, so I was able to take the full day to complete tasks set by my training providers. After I finished this, I still have theory to complete, I make sure to organise at least half a day to a day to complete my work.
4. Are there any mentors or team members who have had a significant impact on your learning?
Chris Shaw who has helped push me to my full potential whilst at CLC by teaching me things other than ordinary admin tasks. He makes sure I understand my work and ensures I can always go to him with any questions and encouraged me to ask “why” at every step, which helped me move from simply completing tasks to fully understanding. Also, Vicki and Keely who have been particularly supportive in my learning and growth, their guidance helped me improve not only my skills but also my ability to work effectively in a team.
They have all been a big part in my growth on my apprenticeship, although everyone at the office created an environment where I felt supported, encouraged to learn, and confident to take on new challenges.
5. What’s the biggest advantage of being an apprentice?
The biggest advantage of being an apprentice is being able to learn first-hand rather than just classroom-based learning. I feel this benefits me as I understand more by doing rather than just theoretically learning. It is good being able to do it myself and not watch someone else explain.
6. How has earning while learning benefited you personally?
Earning while learning has benefited me personally as it helped me develop stronger discipline and organisational skills, which helps me stay focused on my goals. It has allowed me to become more independent and less reliant on others for support. I have learnt the value of money and how to budget wisely, helping me apply theories to real-life situations.
7. What skills are you excited to develop further during your apprenticeship?
I’m looking forward to further develop my IT skills as I have had the opportunity to use third party software’s from clients so learning all new software’s is great. Overall, I enjoy learning as much as I can at CLC so taking on feedback and becoming someone who is strong as a part of a team and reliable.
8. How would you describe the company culture in three words?
Opportunity, support and growth.
9. What has been the most unexpected or interesting part of the job?
The most unexpected and interesting part of the job has been seeing how much of an impact good organisation and communication can have on the smooth running of the office. I didn’t realise at first how much goes on behind the scenes and how each small task contributes to the bigger picture. It’s interesting to learn how attention to detail and proactive problem-solving can make processes more efficient and support the whole team effectively.
10. How would you describe CLC as a company to someone thinking about joining the team?
It is a supportive environment, and everyone is willing to help. The company is growing and changing constantly. Being a part of CLC means that being a part of a team that invests in its staff and works together to achieve goals.
11. What advice would you give to a new apprentice?
Advice to a new apprentice would be that although starting something new can make you feel nervous, pushing nerves to the side and showing your full potential will help. Showing your willing and intrigued can benefit you as if the company see this, they can give you great opportunities. Don’t be scared to ask questions because the more you ask the more you will understand. When on an apprenticeship no question is silly as you are learning as you go.