Role in elections for apprentice

Sara Roberts is doing her training business administration with City of Wolverhampton Council’s electoral services department through Walsall-based Performance Through People.

The former Oldbury Academy pupil had gained a university place after completing her A levels, but after consideration Sara decided to decline in favour of joining the working world.

After working in a customer-facing post for 12 months with a major opticians, she felt she wanted to pursue a career where she could further her qualifications and specialise. Sara decided that the apprenticeship path was the best route to enable her to do this.

“Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to gain experience of the working environment, and at the same time gain a qualification,” she explained.

Sara feels that she has gained a lot from taking on the apprenticeship and that her communication skills have improved greatly. Working within the electoral services team she has learnt the importance of communicating factually and at all levels with colleagues and the public.

“I have been able to learn new skills, work within a friendly team and enjoy the whole process. I would like to thank my team for their invaluable support and guidance throughout the course, and how they have welcomed me into the team.”

Having worked hard to complete her Advanced Business Administration Apprenticeship, Sara has progressed on to a Higher Apprenticeship in business administration and with local elections taking place in May will be using the new skills and knowledge she has acquired to project manage parts of the process.

“I would recommend the apprenticeship route to others. Employers look for experience. With the apprenticeship, employers understand that you are new and need support,” she enthused.