Reflecting on my Apprenticeship

by Molly Thomas

299 days ago I did my final Level 3 exams. 

Who knew at the age of 18, with my family living over 1,000 miles away, training my replacement, starting a new role and completing my apprenticeship that I would get a distinction? I certainly didn’t, but I wish I believed in myself more. 

Doing 2 apprenticeships from 16 - 18 really was the best thing for me. I always knew after I left school I didn’t want to do A-levels or go to university. I was never an academic and always knew I wanted to be hands-on with my learning and that’s why I went down the apprenticeship route working for PDW Group. 

The 2 ½ years I spent learning and working really helped me to figure out what I wanted to do, who I wanted to be and how I could be most productive. Now, as PDW Group’s Implementation and Sales & Marketing co-ordinator I would say I have massively improved and grown in many areas, doing things I never thought would interest me or I would be motivated to do. 

I sit here writing this, looking back on all the units I completed, how much easier it was to evidence my practical ‘on the job’  learning than I had imagined.  I was able to write about pieces of work I had already completed within the workplace so it made it quite real.  I am grateful apprenticeships are in place, and enabling people like me to be able to learn in many ways. 

If you are someone like me, who doesn't really like exams, who is a practical learner and struggles to learn straight from a textbook then I really would advise completing an apprenticeship regardless of what subject it is in. It has helped me grow as a person and has opened up many opportunities for me, now as a 19 year old.

Thank you to all the team at PDW Group for enabling me to complete both apprenticeships and supporting me at every opportunity.