Name: Emily Mulloy

Age: 21

Company they work for: Broughton Laboratories

Apprenticeship provider: Craven College

After completing my GCSE’s at South Craven School I decided to approach Craven College’s Apprenticeship team to apply for an apprenticeship in Business Administration. Following a successful interview, I started at Broughton Laboratories in August 2015 as a Business Support Apprentice and have continued to progress in my role and studies ever since.

What is your apprenticeship in and why did you choose this sector?

Following the completion of the Business Administration Apprenticeship, I was offered a permanent position at Broughton Laboratories as Business Support Assistant. After showing an interest in accounting, I continued my studies at Craven College by completing the Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship, followed by the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship. This has enabled me to develop my knowledge and progress in my role at Broughton Laboratories to become Business Support Administrator.

What does your average working week look like?

I perform a range of administrative and financial tasks that supports all functional departments across the business including; raising sales invoices and entering purchase invoices, credit control, completing reconciliations, investigating discrepancies and actioning accordingly, registering assets and producing reports where required.

Why did you opt to do an apprenticeship rather than A Levels or a B Tech?

After completing my GCSE’s, I was unsure of what direction I wanted to go in, and had no interest in going to university. I wanted to start my career and get some work place experience.

What is the most rewarding thing about your apprenticeship?

Alongside completing the apprenticeships, my confidence has grown greatly since starting work at Broughton Laboratories. The team here are so friendly and supportive and have helped me grow. There is also nothing better than being able to learn, but then put it into practice in the working environment.  

If one of your friends was thinking about doing an apprenticeship what advise would you give them?

I have had a really positive experience completing my apprenticeships, with both my employer and Craven College, therefore I would definitely recommend this route to others. Choosing an apprenticeship was one of the best choice’s I have ever made. It has opened up so many opportunities for both my career and personal growth and the support I have had from my tutor, the apprenticeship team at Craven College and Broughton Laboratories has been great. Studies can be tough at times, however if you put the work in it does pay off and you can become a valued member of the team.

Once you are qualified what are you plans for your future career?

I have recently completed the Professional Accounting Technician Apprenticeship and I am looking into further studies. I am hoping to stay on the financial route and perhaps go on to study with CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), alongside my financial progression at Broughton Laboratories.