We’re so proud to have welcomed three talented apprentices to STM Agency over the last several months. Mercy, Hope, and Alex have settled in nicely with the Finance, Client Services, and Web Development teams, and are already sharing their bright ideas.
To celebrate #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, we’ve decided to showcase each of our brilliant apprentices with a short interview about their time and life at the agency.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I wanted to get into finance – a career change – as well as getting my professional qualifications at the same time. Many of the jobs advertised in the area of finance I was interested in either required a finance qualification and / or a year or more experience which I didn’t have. So, an apprenticeship seemed like the best route. Furthermore, it meant that the training for my qualification was built into my normal working hours, rather than something I had to try and fit in, meaning I could maintain a good work-life balance.
How are you finding working at STM Agency?
I’m enjoying it. The people are friendly and helpful. My team, especially, has been very welcoming from the start, providing a relaxed interview and induction process. They’ve helped me settle in and importantly, they’ve got me stuck in. They are passionate about delivering a great service and I am glad that I can be a part of that.
I also need to mention our wonderful people team and those that closely support them. They are always working hard to promote a happy workplace and to bring people together. Friendly competitions, exercises, coaching sessions, a well-stocked kitchen, to name a few.
Can you tell us something you’ve learned while you’ve been at the agency?
I hadn’t realised the sheer number and notability of clients that we worked with. It’s quite an impressive list.
How has the support from mentors or colleagues contributed to your experience so far?
Support from my managers, apprenticeship assessor and college teacher has been invaluable. They are willing to answer any questions that I have had, step by step, so I have never felt rushed. This has helped me to understand what I am doing and why I am doing it.
What accomplishments are you most proud of since starting your apprenticeship?
I’m proud of my performance at work and in my studies. At work, I have been able to deliver my tasks to a high standard and add value through improvements. My managers trust me to get my job done allowing them to focus on other responsibilities. In my studies, I have passed my first exams, with distinctions, and I am on my way to successfully completing my qualification.
How would you describe the company culture?
There is a culture of sharing and celebrating successes through live quarterly updates and regular “huddle” sessions, and frequent shout outs over our communication platform. These are great opportunities to know what’s happening across the agency, especially with lots going on, but it’s also a morale boost for me, personally, and I am sure the wider team.
What do you enjoy most about working at STM Agency?
I enjoy the work I do. As a finance apprentice at STM Agency, I process financial transactions across sales, purchasing and banking using accounting software. I love work that is process driven and using technology to create efficiencies.
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
Lots, but to start off, I am looking forward to obtaining my Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Level 2 Certificate in Accounting.
