Katie Newsome - business administration apprenticeship
Katie Newsome, reporting into Ellenna Bond in the process improvement team, a business support apprentice, completing Business Administration Level 3.
Katie said:
The Local Government Apprentice of the year event involved apprentices from across different councils working together within teams to complete a range of tasks throughout the day.
I enjoyed meeting all the different apprentices and hearing about the different apprenticeships they are doing. It was nice to hear from other people doing the same as me and how they were finding it, but it was also nice to hear from apprentices completing different courses and what they involve. I personally enjoyed talking to the lady who was doing the catering for Creamfields and having access to the event.
To be honest I learnt a lot about myself and my personality type. I discovered that sometimes I allow others to take the lead in discussions and that I do back away from talking about my opinions and ideas. I will definitely be working on this within my job role and starting to talk more about my ideas and opinions, as well as joining in with discussions more.
From the other apprentices I learnt more in depth about the different sectors of a council and what their job involves. It was interesting to hear about the day-to-day tasks they do and compare them to what I do within my role. I will certainly use what I've learnt to support my own development by enquiring more about the different roles and tasks available within my department, as an apprentice I am wanting to gain as much knowledge and experience as I can.
The advice I would give to apprentices who are wanting to take part next year is do it! It is a fun day, which allows you to speak to and network with other apprentices. It will also allow you to network with other apprentices within your organisation before the event.
Katie's manger, Ellenna Bona said:
We are very proud of Katie and the other Derbyshire County Council apprentices who took part in the Local Government Apprentice of the Year Event 2022. This was a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices to share ideas, knowledge and experiences with other apprentices from around the country and also to develop new skills and behaviours which they are able to bring to their current and future roles. This year's applicants were of a high calibre and we were delighted with the feedback that we received from the judges for our apprentices.
Congratulation to Katie and the other apprentices who represented Derbyshire County Council.
Ruth Tunnicliffe - team leader apprenticeship
Ruth Tunnicliffe, a Team Co-ordinator in Business Services, reporting into Clare Barnett, currently completing Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship.
Ruth was recognised for her contribution and won a prize for being part of the ‘Best Overall Team’.
Ruth said:
There were over 100 apprentices who took part in the event and we were placed into groups of 10 to work together throughout the day. For the main task we worked on activities as a group and then produced a communication strategy for key stakeholders.
I really enjoyed the activities focused on making effective savings and promoting our new strategy to stakeholders. We created mock up promotional campaigns such as social media marketing designs which was fun.
Teamwork was a very important part of the activities and making sure everyone had the opportunity to input. I work with a team of business services assistants across residential Children’s homes, so it is important we all collaborate and share best practice.
It was interesting to hear what other councils do that is the same as DCC but also what they do that is different. Even just different software that are used and different goals for the councils in the future. Many are working on being paperless which is very positive.
It was a really good experience that if you are given the opportunity, you should definitely take it. Make sure you participate in all the opportunities and take advantage of the chance to do something out of your comfort zone and day to day role.
When I found out I won the award of ‘Best Overall Team’, I was very happy and proud of my team – we all worked hard and worked well together. I am looking forward to spending my prize voucher.
Ruth's manger, Clare Barnett said:
This has been a really positive experience for Ruth and she felt that she got a lot out of the days. I am extremely proud of her and she is excelling in her apprenticeship.
Sarah Doughty - business administration apprentice
Sarah Doughty, who reports into Debbie Higham-Knowles within Business Services, Children's Services, is currently completing a Business Administration Apprenticeship Level 3.
Sarah said:
The Local Government Apprentice of the Year event involved being put into groups and given activities to do throughout the day. The best thing about the event was meeting other apprentices and knowing that I'm not the only mature apprentice.
I have learnt that I can ask others to help and also learnt that I'm not alone there is support all around. I learnt that we are not alone, and the managers are there to support us.
Go for it! It was fun trying new things and meeting new people. Put yourself forward because you are doing an amazing job that is the reason you are there.
Sarah's manager, Debbie Higham-Knowles said:
I think it was a beneficial experience for Sarah to participate in the event on both a personal and professional basis. Sarah was pleased to have been nominated and also enjoyed hearing of other apprentices experiences across the country.