We recently caught up with Joely and Luke, two of our Business Administration Apprentices at The Regenda Group.
Over the next 18 months, they will work across different departments within The Regenda Group, spending time with People Services, Finance, ICT, and the Innovation and Brand team. This hands‑on experience will help them understand how a large organisation works while they work towards their Level 3 Business Administrator qualification with The Learning Foundry.
What does a typical day look like as a Business Administration Apprentice
Joely tells us:
“For the past 20 weeks, I worked with the Finance department. A typical day involved processing invoices, checking the accounts payable mailbox, learning new formulas and tasks, and supporting my team with anything they needed. I learned how to use Excel and a wide range of financial formulas, how to problem‑solve, how to work with financial data, and gained knowledge about rent, service charges, audits and the accounting side of finance. I’m currently working with the Brand and Innovation department. A typical day involves meeting different colleagues to discuss ongoing work, assisting with planning resident consultation meetings, supporting procurement tasks, and learning more about the department and everyone’s roles. I find Marketing interesting, I’m learning what the role involves and more about the advertising side. One of the projects I’ve enjoyed most is sitting in Resident Voice Panel meetings and resident consultations. I like hearing tenants’ views and learning more about the housing side of Regenda.”
Luke tells us:
“Everyone was really welcoming, especially when I started, but right the way through. Everybody’s been really supportive. Any questions I’ve had, anything that I’ve needed to learn, if there’s been anything I’ve needed at all, there’s always been somebody here to help me.”
Why did you choose an apprenticeship as an alternative route to university or college?
Joely tells us:
“I think apprenticeships are a great route into a career because you gain real experience as well as a qualification. Unlike university or college, you learn the systems used in the job and become confident using them. I get to do something I want to do in the future while earning money, instead of having to get a part‑time job. Apprenticeships lead to a strong pathway in the future.”
Luke tells us:
“It’s different to being in college because everything you do in your job is relevant to your course. It all links together. It’s a really good place to be.”
What are the advantages of learning on the job with an apprenticeship?
Joely tells us:
“Compared to classroom‑based learning, I prefer learning on the job because I get to experience what it’s like working in an office environment and gain hands‑on experience as a business administrator. I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time because I’m learning while working.”
Luke tells us:
“Some of the biggest advantages are getting real hands‑on experience and learning how to do a job by actually doing it, rather than sitting in a classroom and theorising without ever putting it into practice.”
How has an apprenticeship helped you develop your skills?
Joely tells us:
“I’ve developed my communication skills a lot because I’ve had the chance to speak with so many new people, both internally and externally. Having introductions with colleagues throughout my apprenticeship has helped me ask questions and understand my role better. My teamwork skills have also improved because I’ve had the opportunity to take part in group meetings and work with different departments across Regenda. My confidence has drastically increased since starting my apprenticeship. I’ve gained so much experience and proven to myself that I’m capable of working in an office environment. Everyone has supported me and made me feel welcome, my confidence grows more each day!”
Luke tells us:
“Through my apprenticeship, I’ve been able to develop my communication skills, networking skills, and a whole variety of other skills.”
How has an apprenticeship helped you develop?
Joely tells us:
“The apprenticeship has helped me to grow, and I feel more confident when working – I’ve improved my communication, organisation and time‑management skills.
One thing I’ve learned about myself is that I adapt well when learning lots of new things. Even when tasks are challenging, I can push through and complete them, which makes me feel proud. I feel more resilient and positive when working on new tasks and in new environments.
What surprised me most is how much I’ve been involved in and how much experience I’ve gained in just five months. I feel confident working in an office, and I understand so much more about my apprenticeship and the different sectors within it. I feel much more professional, and I’ve grown not just in the workplace but as a person too.”
Luke tells us:
“Being able to learn in work, doing the job, is completely different to anything I’ve done before. It’s much better for me. I feel more confident actually doing the job rather than just learning about it in a classroom without actually doing it.”
What advice would you give to someone thinking about an apprenticeship?
Joely tells us:
“If someone was thinking of starting an apprenticeship, I would tell them to go for it as it is the best thing I have done! I’ve learned so much while gaining real experience and understanding what it’s like to work a full‑time job. As someone who left college for an apprenticeship, I think it’s a great thing to do because it feels more reliable and secure in the long run.
The advice I would give to someone starting their apprenticeship is to not be nervous and remember that everybody is there to help and support you along the way. It can feel like a big change at first, and a whole new experience, but it gets easier. It’s normal to make mistakes, and if you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask!”
Luke tells us:
“Anybody who’s considering doing an apprenticeship, I’d advise them to do it. Go ahead and do it because it’s a brilliant experience. You get to work, earn, and learn at the same time. It’s a really good opportunity.”
