Apprenticeship has shown universities in new light

The University has launched its 2015 apprenticeship campaign to encourage managers across the organisation to consider hiring apprentices when suitable vacancies arise; it has set a target of at least 100 apprentices in post by the end of the year

Here, we talk to Knewly, the third of our featured apprentices:

Nineteen-year-old business administration apprentice Knewly McGuigan never considered working at a university, as she imagined them to be scary, intimidating places.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” she says now, having been employed in the School of Arts, Languages and Culture. “My work colleagues are really friendly and helpful, even protective of me, perhaps because I’m the youngest.

“Before I started, I thought that if I did anything wrong I’d be yelled at, but people are very supportive of each other, even if you make a mistake. We’re allowed to wear what we like, within reason, and the atmosphere in the office is friendly and relaxed.”

Knewly, who lives with her parents, brother and three sisters in Openshaw and attended Fairfield High School for Girls and Loreto College, says her mum and dad, a security guard, find it funny she’s working at the University.

“I never wanted to study at university as I didn’t know what I wanted to do and it scared me that you were on your own, but I see it’s not like that, as I deal with student enquiries all the time.

“It’s made me think again about going to university but I’m also looking on StaffNet to see if any positions come up that I can apply for when my apprenticeship comes to an end. I’m really hoping my current position will be made permanent though.”

Manager Katy Shaw, Senior Taught Programmes Administrator, in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, said: “When Knewly joined SALC last summer I could not have imagined how quickly she would become part of the team and how interested she would be in all aspects of the work we do at the University. Knewly is keen to help on all daily tasks in our Teaching and Learning offices and has provided many improvements. My colleagues regard Knewly as an assistant now, rather than an apprentice, due to the new enthusiasm and the assistance she provides.

“Not only is Knewly a valued part of our team, she also provides a great sounding board for innovation and has enhanced our working environment. Having recently come from her own studies, I feel she relates well to our undergraduate students and gives us insight into their needs and motivation. For colleagues who have worked in administration or graduated a long time ago, I think having an apprentice can really help your office stay current, whilst developing the apprentice’s career path and providing work experience, you also develop extra skills yourself. I am very proud of Knewly’s achievements so far.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the University’s apprenticeship campaign can contact Steve Grant, Assistant Director of HR.