Meet the Apprentices - Meet Becky-Jay Allaway, West Suffolk Council

Each day during #NAW2020 we will be introducing you to inspirational apprentices and rising stars, working in Local Government in the East of England, who blaze their own trail.

What does a typical day look like for you?
My day is never the same within Customer Services. There is always something new to complete like small projects and tasks. Also having to answer the phone, you never know who you’re going to get and it can be interesting.

What is your favourite part about your apprenticeship?
I learn new skills every day, IT skills, but also life skills in general. There are so many opportunities for me to explore.

What has been your biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge to date is talking to customers on the phone. I started my job with lots of nerves and no confidence in myself, but my team leader and colleagues have been helping me overcome it by sitting with me and practising on a daily basis to help my confidence. 

What kind of support has been available to you during your apprenticeship?
I have been given great support all through my apprenticeship from college, team leaders and a personal mentor who I have regular catch ups with to see my West Suffolk Apprenticeship Programme progress and what improvements can be made to help me. 

What skills have you gained from your apprenticeship so far?
From my apprenticeship I have gained many skills such as communication skills, IT skills, business writing and my mathematic skills have also improved tremendously. 

What are your plans for your future career?
Since being with the council I have learnt where I should be and what my strengths and weaknesses are. In the future I want to pursue a career in Data Analysis and statistics, with the hope of staying as part of the Council. 

Do you have any advice to give someone considering an apprenticeship?
I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to someone who is thinking about it, as there are so many different opportunities that you can take, and you gain so much knowledge and experience plus you get to earn money whilst you’re learning and receive a free qualification.  

How did you find out about your apprenticeship?
I first applied for an apprenticeship position at Brandon Council, but I missed the application date. However someone from Brandon Town Council contacted me and told me about another apprenticeship opening in Mildenhall in Customer Services so I took the opportunity right away.

Apprenticeships give the opportunity to look beyond traditional routes into employment and allow you to explore a diverse range of career options in local government and beyond. Our #NAW2020 feature provides just a small taster of the true value that an apprenticeship can bring, to both individuals, local authorities and the wider community in the East of England.