Siobhan Auld joined Scottish Chambers of Commerce as our first-ever apprentice taking on the role of Business Administration. We had a chat with Siobhan to find out more…
Why did you choose an apprenticeship over traditional education?
After I left school, I had wanted to study Social Sciences at college. As I was straight out of school, I was unsure of what career path to choose for the long-term. When I found out about apprenticeships and what they can offer, I decided that an apprenticeship was the most valuable option for me which would give me practical experience as well as learning at the same time.
What do you believe is the most rewarding part of being an apprentice?
The most rewarding aspect of being an apprentice is the learning process. I can learn at my own pace with the help of an Assessor and as my daily tasks are varied I am gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience. It is very motivating knowing that I will be qualified in business administration which is something I enjoy.
What were your expectations of your apprenticeship at SCC?
I was really looking forward to starting at SCC and as it was my first professional work experience, I was excited but also a little bit nervous too. But in a short space of time, I was made to feel an important part of the team and this helped me a lot with my confidence. Already, I have improved my communication and administration skills and I’ve dealt with challenges that I used to think were outside of my comfort zone. So far, my expectations have been exceeded by SCC and I’m looking forward to more opportunities in the job.
What advice would you give to those wishing to seek an apprenticeship?
My advice to those seeking or even considering an apprenticeship is to go for it! By doing an apprenticeship you adapt to the world of work while gaining qualifications at the same time. You are working alongside experienced professionals, who will support you throughout your journey by helping you develop your strengths by gaining an insight into how professionals think and adapt their own skills accordingly. For those who are looking for an apprenticeship you should know that there are many options rather than the traditional apprenticeships that you would think of and there are many more avenues other than traditional education for school leavers. I would recommend finding out all the options and choose the best route for you.
