How It All Happened...

How it all happened I now know how much of an amazing opportunity this particular apprenticeship scheme is! Don’t get me wrong, when I first heard about the opportunity the initial sound of it was tempting, otherwise I wouldn’t have applied. But I massively underrated it.

Whilst I was studying for my A-levels, I informed my teachers that I wouldn’t be applying for university but applying for apprenticeship schemes instead. During a revision session for my last exam, my Business Studies teacher received an email outlining the apprenticeship scheme at Rathbones. When she showed it to me, the position really appealed to me so I requested an application form. I took far longer completing this application than I have on any other, which says a lot about how much I wanted it. A few weeks later, I received an email out of the blue inviting me to attend a recruitment week. Looking back now, my reaction probably was a bit over the top considering I didn’t have the job yet. Oops…

When I arrived at Rathbones, the building had me lost for words. I can remember thinking to myself “eh, wouldn’t it be nice to work here!”
Along with around 11 other applicants, I received a presentation about Rathbones and this was when it really hit home about how good an opportunity this apprenticeship was. After the presentation, we were guided through the format of the week and advised of what would happen each day. We were told that the recruitment process would require us to produce a 10 minute presentation on how we would spend £100,000 and then there would be an interview on the following day. I had a feeling it wouldn’t just be an interview that we would be judged on, but I had no idea we would have to do a presentation as well. Luckily the beginning of the week consisted of in depth training on presentation and interview skills, which helped me to feel 100% prepared.

Even though the training helped, I still felt so nervous before the presentation! I would find myself going to bed and lying there for hours thinking about it. Thinking of what I was going to say, thinking of different ways of saying them. The day of the presentation came round and I was the first up. I was happy knowing it would be over in a few hours rather than having to think about it all day. However, once I got underway with the presentation I was fine. I settled down straight away and surprised myself on how well I did. I introduced myself, presented my presentation, answered questions and left. It was all over so fast! I knew then it was only the interview left.

I was again first up in my interview and was being interviewed by 3 Managers from Rathbones. I was surprised by how much they comforted me which really helped to calm my nerves. Thanks to them, the answers came so easily! At the end of the interview I was told to expect a phone call on Monday. I think it’s safe to say, that was the longest weekend of my life!

Thankfully, the phone rang and I was told that I had been successful in getting a place as one of six Rathbones apprentices. I can’t describe how happy I was! I told my mum and she burst into tears. I told my dad and he simply shook my hand and said “nice one mate”. At this point, I just couldn’t wait to start.

Hi There!

My name is Connor Day. I am 18 years old and I am from Norris Green, Liverpool. I am currently one of six apprentices at Rathbones, working in the RPAS Department. I will inform you as to what that involves at a later stage.

I studied at The De LA Salle Academy, home of many sporting great including the prolific Manchester United and England forward, Wayne Rooney. While at De La Salle, I showed a keen interest in Business Studies and Media Studies. During my two years of sixth form, I studied Business Studies, Film Studies and English Literature.
Although I really enjoyed my time in sixth form, I nearly cut it short when I was considering leaving early to apply for apprenticeships. This was down to the fact that I had friends that had apprenticeships and what he had to say about them sounded very appealing to me. After some serious consideration, I decided to see out my sixth form courses and came away with grades B, B and E, respectively. I was happy with my decision to complete my courses, as it was a great stepping stone to move forwards. Although people said to me sixth form is only useful if you’re going to university, I found that sixth form was a tremendous help to get to the position I am in today. Without sixth form I wouldn’t have heard about the opportunity I am in, as well as the minimum requirements needed to apply.

Throughout school, I was always in Gifted and Talented groups and always encouraged to go to university by both school and my parents. I believe this was because they all had faith in my ability and, in my mother’s words, “I would walk it”. From the beginning of school, I had always had my hearts set on university. This was until I reached an age were I started to think for myself, I assessed different pathways in life and began to take it upon myself to decide what I was going to do. Countless trips and open days were organised, but I didn’t feel university was for me. I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do and I believe it is safe to say that most students are in the same boat. The sound of picking a subject, paying around £9,000 a year and coming away with still no idea of what I wanted to do just wasn’t really an option. Making a decision at the age of 18 years of age is something that no one should have to do, but everyone has to do.

This was when I heard about apprenticeships. Earning and learning. For the position I was in, this suited me down to a tea. Apprenticeships are essentially an opportunity to gain work related qualifications, while also gaining the experience employers are looking for. With the lack of jobs in previous years, employers are receiving ridiculous amounts of applicants for one job and this allows them to pick a candidate that is perfect for the vacancy. I believe work related qualifications and experience are vital if you want to stand a good chance of getting your desired job. I also believe university is more suited for specialised jobs, such as vets and doctors. All of this is the reason I decided to go down the apprenticeship route, rather than the university.

Keep an eye out for my next entry to the blog, which will describe how I heard about my apprenticeship and what was required of me to get it. Take care guys!