I started with Flagship Consulting in October 2015 – the first apprentice to join the business. My role initially was a Recruitment Resourcer which was candidate generation-focused. After just six months, I was promoted to Office Manager and took on more responsibility. This included training new staff, making sure that IT systems were in place for new starters, renegotiating job board contracts and also helping internally with staff queries.

In January 2017 I was promoted again, this time to Recruitment Consultant (while still working as the Office Manager). This involved taking on more responsibility for client relationships and being involved in the whole recruitment process.

Flagship has been extremely supportive, and they put me forward for two apprenticeship awards. I was shortlisted for both, and won Regional Highly Commended (Advanced Apprenticeship of the year 2017) at the National Apprenticeship Awards. This led to me being asked to become Chair of the Young Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (YAAN) for the South West. The YAAN is a government-run network of young apprentices who promote apprenticeships across the UK. I am involved in chairing meetings on a regular basis, organising events and putting together graduation events. I will also be judging and co-hosting the National Apprenticeship Awards for the South West Region in September 2018.

I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route to anybody who is considering it as an alternative to university. It is a great way to learn on the job, gain a qualification, and progress within a working environment – while being paid. The positive experience I had during my apprenticeship led me to full-time employment with Flagship.

If you’d like to know more about the Flagship Academy for apprentices, please contact laura.watson@flagship-consulting.com