Written By: Cleo Cosens
Reading Time: 2 minutes 40 seconds
This year marks the 15th Annual National Apprenticeship Week. As the week draws to a close, we want to congratulate all the apprentices across the country on starting their journey or for the successes they have already achieved. At Pulse Systems, we asked our apprentices a set of questions to share their experiences and challenges during their apprenticeship.
Carys Pritchard, Associate Software Engineer
How long have you been at Pulse Systems?
7 months
What apprenticeship are you completing?
Level 3 Software Development
What do you like most about being an apprentice @Pulse Systems?
I love learning. Every day’s a learning day, to the point now my family and friends are amazed at what I know.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far
Software development in general can be very challenging. My biggest problem so far has been overcomplicating problems when coding. I found breaking down the problem in question into small bits, as small as possible, has allowed me to really understand what I need to do without feeling intimidated.
What advice would you give to an apprentice when they’re first starting out?
You will succeed if you study the course that you are really passionate about.
Cleo Cosens, Marketing Manager
How long have you been at Pulse Systems?
2 years
What apprenticeship are you completing?
I’m working on a Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship
What do you like most about being an apprentice @Pulse Systems?
Being able to gain a deeper understanding of my existing subject knowledge and applying what I learn from my modules to the work I do at Pulse Systems. I’m a practical person so, the best way for me to learn is to apply my knowledge to real life.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far
Establishing the right balance between work, apprenticeship, and personal life. It is a challenge I face but there are ways of overcoming this. Organisation, prioritisation, planning, and execution have been key in managing this.
What advice would you give to an apprentice when they’re first starting out?
I would say at the early stages of your apprenticeship to Plan. Plan. Plan! Make sure you understand where your priorities lie and map out how you plan to balance work & life. For this to be effective you need to be brutally honest with yourself and to stick to the plan.
How To Get More Involved In National Apprenticeship Week – #NAW2022
If you’re looking to begin your career journey, up-skill or change career paths being an apprentice can hold many opportunities. It provides flexibility and offers a unique teaching technique – the ability to gain deep subject knowledge whilst applying it in a real-life setting.
Visit the National Apprenticeships Week website to benefit from networking opportunities with potential employers, apprentices, and ask questions.
To find employers who are answering questions about apprenticeships go to Twitter under the hashtag #AskAnEmployer. Furthermore, if you wish to gain insight from previous and current apprentices go to twitter using the #AskAnApprentice hashtag.