This week is National Apprenticeship Week 2023 – a weeklong celebration of the varied roles now available as an apprenticeship.
Here at Langage Farm, we’re delighted to have a very talented Apprentice with us.
Here’s our Apprentice Ben Lees’s story….
When did you start your apprenticeship at Langage Farm?
“I began my apprenticeship with Langage Farm in late August of 2022 so roughly 6 months ago.”
How long is the apprenticeship?
“The apprenticeship is 18 months long.”
What type of apprenticeship are you doing?
“I am doing a business admin apprenticeship with added marketing and graphic design duties.”
What does on site work involve day to day?
“So, in the mornings I tend to a few admin and sales duties. These include filing away product sample certificates making sure the results are clearly organized and presentable. I also complete the call outs to our customers on a daily basis and place orders for them. I also take incoming calls, and try to help with any queries that customers have. The rest of my day really depends on what is needed from me, I could be creating different point of sales materials, adverts, presentations and graphics. Or alternatively I may be completing assignments much to the delight of my tutors!
What extra study/college days do you have to do?
Once every four weeks I have a tutorial session whereby we will go onto an online meeting and go through a class based around a topic in business. After this we are set a batch of assignments, usually in an essay style format, to do over the next few weeks. In between these sessions I will have a catch up with my tutor to ensure my assignments are to a high quality and that my off the job training is up to date. Off the job training is whereby I have to complete tasks outside of my usual duties. This can include courses, learning from colleagues or online learning amongst other things.”
How did you apply to Langage?
“I applied to Langage through an online job posting on Indeed, if I remember correctly. The job listing was for a business admin and graphic design apprenticeship and the blend of learning about business and the graphic design/marketing opportunities enticed me.”
What do you enjoy most at Langage?
“I definitely enjoy my graphic design duties the most, I really do enjoy coming up with different designs and ideas, transitioning ideas from my head to paper then to the computer. A task where I can use my creativity and think outside of the box is one that I always relish.”
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
“I chose to do an apprenticeship because after my A levels I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue in regards to a career. I felt that going to university was a big commitment, an expensive one also, that didn’t really make much sense since I had no clue what I wanted to do afterwards. An apprenticeship made much more sense to me as I would be gaining real working experience, a qualification and still earning an income simultaneously. Then if at the end of the apprenticeship I felt that I wanted to try something else or go down a different path I have still picked up valuable skills and experience that can apply to the majority of my jobs going forward.”
What advice would you give people thinking about their next steps?
“My advice would be to take your time when deciding your next step. Something like university is a big commitment so if you are unsure of where you want to go with your career there is no point rushing into it because everyone around you is. Do some research into sectors you have in an interest in and find what the most effective entry into said sector will be. From there try and develop some basic skills and knowledge in those sectors to help give you an edge and gain some confidence in yourself and your abilities.”
What have you learnt at Langage?
“I have learnt a lot in my time at Langage so far. The most interesting being how a business creates and expands its product lineup and the processes that go into creating new products. From market research and mapping, to targeting niche markets, reaching out to and presenting ideas to companies to partner with, creating samples and so on. Pretty much the entire phase from idea to product is extremely interesting to me and something I am sure that will be useful to me in the future.”
If you could describe your apprenticeship in one word, what would it be?
“Diverse!”
Thanks so much Ben!