Hudson Smith - Apprentice Project Manager, Mansfield Pollard
Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?
Once leaving college, I decided to go to university. Within a few months, I realised that uni was not for me, and I dropped out after a year. This is because I could not see myself follow the same career path as my degree (sports and nutrition).
Whereas an apprenticeship provides hands on experience with a job role, along with the learning and development side of things. In an apprenticeship, I can learn how ‘the world of work’ operates, all the while learning an important skill and in my opinion, is what every young adult should be choosing once leaving education.
What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?
The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship so far is learning something new. I have always enjoyed learning and have always remained curious. An apprenticeship allows me to do this as I am set tasks/goals to achieve within a certain date.
What have you taken from the apprenticeship so far?
This apprenticeship has provided me with the opportunity to be more organised as I am assigned work, assigned a deadline date and I must complete it within this date. From this, I have no other choice but to be more organised, which has significantly improved my life outside of work too. Not only does this apprenticeship bring me the skills needed for my job, but also real-life skills I use on a day to day basis.
How have you progressed or plan to progress following your apprenticeship?
One way I believe I can still improve is my communications. I have always been a bit quieter than the average person and sometimes find it hard to talk to new people. To improve this, I have started speaking to everyone, saying good morning to people, calling customers instead of emailing, ordering food in person rather than on the phone. These are all small and simple things but done overtime makes perfect. The apprenticeship has taught me this through expressing the importance of communications in a business.
Would you recommend an Apprenticeship to others?
I believe getting an apprenticeship is the best option for most once leaving school. The reason being is because you are able to learn a career, have zero debt, gain work life experience, you can gain a qualification equivalent to a degree, all the while getting paid for it. I couldn’t recommend it anymore!