Facilities Management (FM) apprenticeship case study: Calum

• Team: Facilities Management (FM)
• After his apprenticeship: Calum progressed on to a GLA Higher Apprenticeship (NVQ level 4 in Project Management) in the Technology Group

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

At 18 I left my home in London and moved to Brighton to go to University. Although I was very academic at school, I realized that moving on to higher education wasn’t for me. At the age of 21 after having various jobs in Brighton, I moved back to London. I knew that I wanted and needed the practical experience of having a job as well as an organisation supporting me though a training scheme.

Apprenticeships offer exactly this, a paid position within an organisation geared towards developing potential, giving a set of transferrable business skills and ending in a qualification and away from what I thought as the ‘conventional’ route. Equally as important for me, was that apprenticeships were open to 16-24 year olds. It felt good to know that although University hadn’t worked out for me, there were still opportunities out there for my age group and those in similar positions.

How did you find out about the vacancy?

I joined the mailing list for an initiative designed by young people, in partnership with employers and the voluntary sector called ‘Talent Match London’. Funded by the lottery, the initiative tackled unemployment in certain boroughs of London. They emailed me through the opportunity; I did my research and went for it.

What were your day to day responsibilities as an apprentice?

I provided operational support to the GLA’s Facilities Management team, this included facilities coordination and project management, administrative duties and providing some facilities services. As a result of the diverse nature of FM I gained experience in a wealth of disciplines and no two days were ever the same!

Day to day duties ranged from producing minutes, supervising and coordinating office moves, working on the Help Desk through to providing administrative and hands-on support to projects and organising events. I even helped set-up a new office for the GLA and served as the office manager.

What did you find most useful from your time as an apprentice?

The level of support I received during my year was tremendous and invaluable and far better than at Uni. Although at times the apprenticeship can be challenging the support from your peers, your colleagues, and the apprenticeship provider will steer you through obstacles and difficult periods. Ultimately I find the GLA are very understanding of the unique position of apprentices in juggling work and study. Everyone will be there to help, from your line manager to your fellow apprentices.

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

In September of that year, I was handed the reigns from my team to organise City Hall’s participation in one of the most recognised architectural events open to the public in London. As part of co-ordinating and project managing the event I had to deliver presentations and briefings to my team of volunteer helpers (that I’d had to recruit). I remember feeling very nervous about public speaking but I rose to the challenge and received very positive feedback about my presentation and the event as a whole. The times that were most inspirational and memorable to me were the times that I was able to conquer my nerves and insecurities.

What were you doing before your apprenticeship?

I had various jobs ranging from charity fundraising positions, event management placements and call centre work.

What tips would you give to future applicants?

• Apprenticeships are there for people who want to develop and gain practical experience by doing a real job. Assessors are looking for motivation and a willingness to learn and take instruction and advice.
• Be honest about your background and experiences and show an aptitude and desire for personal growth.
• Don’t compare yourself to others as City Hall is a place of diversity.
• Most importantly be yourself, know your strengths and use them.