National Apprenticeship Week 2025: Q&A with our Apprentice

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Elliott, our Business Administration Apprentice.

From handling customer enquiries to preparing key business reports, Elliott has become an integral part of our team while working towards his qualification. We sat down with him to learn more about his experience and what it’s really like to be an apprentice at KBUK.

Q: What made you choose an apprenticeship?

A: I chose an apprenticeship because it offered the perfect balance of practical experience and education. Being able to earn while you learn is a huge advantage, and I wanted to get real-world experience rather than just theoretical knowledge.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

A: My day starts at 7:45 AM, which gives me time to settle in before our 8 AM start. The morning usually involves processing customer enquiries that have come in overnight and managing our CRM system, Monday. One of my key responsibilities is preparing our weekly quote reports – last week we handled 71 quotes! These reports go to my manager Amy, who presents them to the director every other week. The afternoon can vary, but it often involves more customer service work, apprenticeship coursework with Dumfries & Galloway College, and sometimes helping mentor our work experience student.

Q: What kind of support do you receive in your role?

A: The support has been fantastic. My manager Amy is always there to guide me and review my work. She takes time to check my quote documents and provides valuable feedback on my apprenticeship coursework. The company also ensures I have dedicated time to focus on my college studies, which shows they’re truly invested in my development.

Q: What’s the most challenging aspect of your role?

A: While some tasks can be repetitive, like processing quotes and updating the CRM, the real challenge is juggling different responsibilities. You need to balance your daily work tasks with your apprenticeship coursework, while also maintaining high standards of customer service. But honestly, these challenges are what help you grow and develop your skills.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being an apprentice?

A: There are so many rewarding aspects! Seeing how my work contributes to the business, especially when preparing those weekly reports, is really satisfying. I also love that I’m now experienced enough to help mentor our work experience student. It’s amazing to see how much I’ve learned and how I can pass that knowledge on to others.

Q: What skills have you developed since starting your apprenticeship?

A: I’ve developed a wide range of skills, from technical abilities like using CRM systems to soft skills like customer service and communication. Every customer interaction teaches you something new, and the combination of practical work and college coursework means you’re constantly learning and improving.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

A: Go for it! If you’re someone who likes to learn by doing, an apprenticeship is perfect. Yes, it can be challenging at times, but the experience you gain is invaluable. You’re not just getting a qualification – you’re building real-world skills and professional relationships that will benefit your entire career.

Q: How do you see your apprenticeship helping your future career?

A: The practical experience I’m gaining is invaluable. Understanding how a business really works, dealing with customers, managing data, and developing professional skills – these are all things that will help me progress in my career. Plus, the qualification I’m working towards gives me a solid foundation for future opportunities.