EESI – Apprentice Spotlight Questions

1) Tell us about you and your apprenticeship

Why did you choose it

I chose this apprenticeship because of EESI’s great reputation and the fact it was local to me; it also gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a working environment while building a recognised qualification.

What is the qualification/How long does it take?

The qualification was in level 3 business administration, the course took around 12–18 months to complete and focused on key business skills such as communication, organisation, and administration.

What do you actually have to do for it?

As part of the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, I completed a combination of coursework, practical evidence, and assessments linked to my role at work.

This included completing over 350 hours of off-the-job training, where I developed my knowledge in areas such as communication, organisation, IT systems, and business processes.

I also built a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate how I apply these skills in my day-to-day role. As part of the assessment process, I completed an exam to test my knowledge, as well as two marked presentations — one based on a project I was involved in, and another focused on my role within the business.

2) What was the hardest part?

The most challenging part was balancing full-time work with completing the apprenticeship requirements. I was introduced to new software’s which I hadn’t used in the past, which I found quite challenging to adjust to.

3) What skills/knowledge do you think you’ve gained?

I am now much more confident as a person. I meet customers and suppliers and I talk to a range of people on the telephone.

I’m much more knowledgeable of how a business runs – I co-ordinate with all the different departments at work and understand how selling doesn’t stand alone. There’s customer support, credit control, payroll, advertising etc. all working together.

4) what happens next for you?

Now that I’ve completed my apprenticeship, I’m looking to continue developing within the business and take on more responsibility.

I’m particularly interested in progressing further into estimating and the commercial side, building on the experience I’ve gained so far and continuing to develop my skills.

5) What advice would you give to a new apprentice starting here?

Stay organised and manage your time well from the beginning, as balancing work and study can be challenging.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved in different areas of the business — it’s the best way to learn.

Also, stay consistent with your work, as putting in the effort early on will pay off, especially if you’re aiming for a strong result like a distinction.

What do you like best about working for EESI?

What I like most about working for EESI is the opportunity to develop and progress while being supported by the team. There’s a strong working environment where you’re trusted with responsibility, but also able to ask questions and learn from people with more experience.

I’ve also enjoyed the variety in the role — no two days are the same, and I’ve been able to get involved in different areas of the business, including coordination and estimating. This has helped me build my skills and get a better understanding of how the company operates as a whole.

Overall, it’s a good environment to learn, grow, and gain real experience.