External Relations apprenticeship case study: Ria

• Team: External Relations Team (London Assembly)
• After her apprenticeship: Ria took a permanent job as a Public Liaison Officer at City Hall. She was in this job for two years, in charge of educational visits to City Hall. She also completed a part-time Higher Education certificate while working. She has now been promoted to Business Support Officer for International Relations in the Mayor’s Office, and is studying part-time for a degree in Social Science and Politics.

Why did you want to do an apprenticeship at City Hall?

I wanted to do an apprenticeship at City Hall as it's a high profile, respected organisation that offered opportunities in media and policy. The fact I would be exposed to London’s political divisions was also a factor.

How did you hear about the vacancy?

I found out about the opportunity through word of mouth and decided to apply. I thought that living outside of London might have been a disadvantage, but this wasn’t the case. The application process was comprehensive without being intimidating. It was easy to understand and provides the applicant with sufficient information about the expectations of the role.

The assessment day was a bit daunting, but I actually found the experience enjoyable. It used lots of different ways to find out as much as possible about us. For example, sometimes we had to work individually and sometimes as a group.

What were your day-to-day responsibilities as an apprentice?

My day-to-day responsibilities varied. I had to organise international delegation visits, tweet on behalf of the London Assembly and monitor policing and crime news and policies. Much of my time was focused on organising a wide range of events and receptions in collaboration with my colleagues. These included an Olympics Anniversary Reception as well as International Women’s Day.

What did you find most useful? How have you used this in your current job?

City Hall runs a really professional apprenticeship programme. It’s given me some essential skills that I’ve used in my future jobs. Though it may sound rather dull, I found the administrative functions I performed to be the most useful bit of experience I carried forward from my apprenticeship. Monitoring project budgets, balancing political sensitivities and delivering events in line with a detailed itinerary led to my current role in International Relations.

I got good support from my manager to help me develop and take on more responsibility, and experience public speaking and in collaborative working and networking with colleagues at City Hall.

What did you find challenging about your apprenticeship?

The most challenging aspect of my apprenticeship was the transition from being a student/part-time worker to working full time. The first few months were exhausting as I had to adjust my working style in line with my varied workload and competing priorities.

What was the most inspiring thing that happened during your apprenticeship?

I organised the Olympics Anniversary Reception by myself and to see it delivered within budget, with record turnout and positive feedback, was a great moment. I also hosted a House of Lords peer for the day, where they shadowed my work and learnt about the GLA apprenticeship programme.

What were you doing before your apprenticeship here?

I was studying for my AS Levels (politics, history and archaeology) and working part-time in a children’s shoe shop. I was also volunteering as a National Youth Ambassador for the Affinity Sutton Housing Association.

My original plan had been to study archaeology at university, but I changed my mind after AS Levels and quit college. I started to look for admin work, but I wanted something interesting and that suited my passion for politics. I wanted to work in London, in a political environment.

What tips would you give to future applicants?

• Research City Hall so that you understand what the Greater London Authority (GLA), the London Assembly the Mayor do
• City Hall wants apprentices from a range of backgrounds and experiences – be confident and be yourself at the assessment day
• Focus on your own skills and attributes, don’t compare yourself to others