BT Apprentice wins Apprentice of the Year Award
Talented young businesswoman Laura Johnson has received the 2010 Apprenticeship Award at the London Business Awards, held in Central London on Tuesday. Laura, an Advanced Apprentice with BT, is a member of e-skills UK’s Apprentice Forum, a group of apprentices who meet with regularly with e-skills UK to share their experiences, provide feedback, and help shape best practice for IT apprenticeships.
Laura has been an apprentice for just over two years, and works now as a Project Manager in the Work Inspiration team, encouraging young people to choose to do work experience and inspiring them about careers in the industry. She has been delighted with her decision to take an apprenticeship after she left school, saying: “For me, an IT apprenticeship is a great way to learn skills and earn money at the same time. There is an opportunity to put what you learn in the classroom into action and to use it day to day making your understanding clearer.”
Nor has it been all nonstop work in an office for Laura: last year, alongside 20 other apprentices, she headed to Peru to assist with the build of a medical centre that BT had funded. She is also enjoying life as an apprentice outside the workplace, and the benefits of earning while she learns: “The social life is great,” she says. “I’ve met some great friends and I actually have money to go out and do what I want.”
As for the future, her career plans are really starting to take shape thanks to her experiences as an apprentice: “Before starting my apprenticeship I had no idea what I wanted to do and really couldn’t see myself working in an office. However, joining BT has allowed me to realise there are so many opportunities after my apprenticeship and there is real scope to succeed in a large company like this,” she says, adding: “And winning this award has given me a real confidence boost with regards to the work I am doing, I can’t help but smile every time someone mentions it!”
Her advice to anyone considering taking an apprenticeship? “Definitely go for it!” she recommends. “Starting an apprenticeship is one of the best things I have done. Always grab opportunities with both hands and volunteer to do the extra things that will make you stand out from other candidates.”
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