Choosing a different path

After leaving sixth form in 2021, Jess faced a decision familiar to many students: university, or something else? Having studied Business Studies and Psychology, she initially hadn’t considered Human Resources (HR) as a career. But after reflecting during COVID and lockdowns, she realised she wanted to learn on the job rather than continue in full-time education.

“I decided I’d rather gain real experience while studying,” she explains. The crossover between business and understanding people made HR the perfect fit  and an apprenticeship gave her the opportunity to start immediately.

Stepping up – Level 5

In April 2023, Jess progressed to the Level 5 apprenticeship which was a significant step up in both responsibility and complexity.

“The workload definitely increases at Level 5 but the learning is so relevant to what you’re doing day-to-day – it’s satisfying knowing that you’re progressing your career skills and not just gaining a qualification.”

As her knowledge grew, so did her role. She moved into an advisory position, providing day-to-day HR advice and gaining exposure to higher-level, sensitive issues including disciplinaries and personal cases. The apprenticeship sessions gave her the theory and her job gave her the opportunity to put it into practice straight away. Jess qualified in May 2024 and completed her full apprenticeship in October 2024 – progressing faster than expected thanks to her unwavering commitment and the support around her.

Making a real impact

Four years after joining BWCET, Jess now manages her own group of 15 – 20 schools. While she still undertakes some administrative tasks, her skillset has expanded significantly and so has her influence. As part of her apprenticeship project, Jess created a menopause policy that has since been implemented across the Trust.

“It’s amazing and really rewarding to see something I created being used organisation-wide.”

Supporting others is the part of her role she values most. Every day brings new challenges, new conversations and new opportunities to make a difference.

“People at work often ask me how old I am. When I say I’m 22, they can’t believe it – they always ask ‘how?’”

The answer is simple: experience.

Looking ahead – Level 7

Jess isn’t stopping there. She’s now preparing to begin her Level 7 qualification.

“Every day is different, and I want to keep learning so I can give back even more.”

She’s chosen to continue studying now while she’s in the mindset of balancing work and education – recognising that as responsibility increases, it can become harder to carve out time for formal learning.

Inspired by Jess?

Jess Levy’s journey shows that with the right support, dedication and opportunity, an apprenticeship isn’t just an alternative to university – it can be a fast-track to a fulfilling, successful career.

If you’re ready to learn, earn and make a real difference from day one, an apprenticeship could be your first step. Just like it was for Jess.

Eva’s early days

Eva began her role as an Administration Assistant at just 18 years old after completing her A-Level studies. After searching for apprenticeship opportunities, Eva landed her role within our Business Development Team supporting the Recruitment and Onboarding of our Learners. Since starting her role, she has always found helping the learners the most rewarding. Often at this stage our applicants are applying for their first roles or first time or long-term careers and are seeking support. 

More recently, Eva experienced the full impact of this work first-hand when she supported a candidate throughout the entire recruitment process — from initial application through to interview and eventually receiving a job offer — a milestone moment in seeing the journey come full circle. 

Eva said: “Seeing someone go through the whole journey from start to finish, when that’s them first applying for the apprenticeship and then obviously when they get job offered, I always find that extremely rewarding.” 

How Business Administration Apprenticeships Open Career Pathways

Eva’s progression also highlights wider opportunities that the Business Administration Apprenticeship route can offer. The programme includes communication, organisation, problem-solving and people skills which are developed throughout the programme. This meaning, although learners may begin in administrative or operational roles, the apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a range of career pathways.  

At Access Training, we’ve seen many learners build on these foundations to progress into more specialised roles. In some cases, like Harriet’s journey from apprentice to trainer, a Business Admin apprenticeship can be the starting point for significant career development within an organisation. 

Eva’s story also demonstrates how this pathway can naturally lead into HR, particularly for those who already support people, processes and teams as part of their role. 

One of the most common misconceptions about the Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship is that learners must already hold an HR job title to enrol. In reality, the programme is designed for individuals who support people within a business — whether that’s office managers, administrators, team leaders or those beginning to take on HR responsibilities. 

For employers, this creates a valuable opportunity to develop talent internally, strengthening HR capability while planning for future succession. By investing in apprenticeships, organisations can build knowledgeable, confident professionals who understand their business from the inside out — helping to future-proof their workforce and elevate their HR function over time. 

Rema has also experienced the apprenticeship pathway herself, progressing through HR qualifications from Level 3 to Level 5 and now Level 7. Her experience highlights how apprenticeships combine practical experience with structured learning, helping individuals develop into confident professionals while enabling businesses to grow their own talent. 

Investing in apprenticeships to support your business 

By investing in apprenticeships, businesses can grow skilled, confident professionals who understand their roles, support colleagues, and contribute to wider organisational goals.  

Whether beginning with a Business Administration apprenticeship or progressing into specialist areas such as HR, apprenticeships provide a practical way to develop talent from within while supporting long-term succession planning. 

Explore our Business Administrator and HR programmes to see how apprenticeships can support your organisation. 

A Pathway for Growth

The Business Administration Apprenticeship at Access Training is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to excel in a professional environment. Over 16 months, apprentices develop core competencies including decision-making, communication, IT skills, planning, project management, and a solid understanding of business policies and processes. Delivery is a blend of on-the-job training and day-release workshops at Access Training’s Gateshead centre, providing both practical experience and structured learning.

For employers, the programme offers an opportunity to nurture talent, with apprentices taking on roles such as Administration Assistant, Office Trainee, or Executive Assistant, while developing transferable skills that benefit any business. Assessment includes a mix of portfolio-based interviews, project presentations, and knowledge tests, ensuring that apprentices graduate ready to contribute confidently in the workplace.

Now Teaching the Course She Once Took

Today, Harriet is a qualified Trainer and is completing her Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship to further enhance her expertise. She manages her own caseload, delivers classes, and provides tailored support to learners, all while contributing to the development of a new Specialist Teaching and Learning Assistant Level 5 Apprenticeship, set to launch in 2026. Harriet is also enrolled in the Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs, ensuring she can support learners with diverse needs effectively.

Her career progression has been rapid yet grounded in hard work and commitment and her story shows that apprenticeships are not just about learning a role; they can ignite a passion for lifelong development.

What You’ll Learn as a Business Admin Apprentice

The programme covers a wide range of transferable skills, including:

• Decision-making and problem solving
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• IT proficiency and digital skills
• Quality assurance and attention to detail
• Planning, organisation, and project management
  

Apprentices also gain knowledge of business fundamentals, policies, and procedures, and may complete functional skills at Level 2 in Maths and English if required. The structured training, alongside real-world experience, equips learners to thrive in administrative roles and beyond.

From Apprentice to Trainer – Your Journey Could Start Here

Harriet’s story is a testament to what’s possible through the Business Administration Apprenticeship. She began as a learner, progressed through multiple roles, and is now shaping the next generation of apprentices – proving that it all started with a Business Admin apprenticeship.

Whether you are an employer looking to develop talent, or an aspiring apprentice seeking a career with growth opportunities, the programme at Access Training offers a structured, supportive, and forward-thinking path. With rolling intakes and comprehensive support, your journey could start just like Harriet’s and take you further than you ever imagined.

He embarked on a Level 3 Apprentice Fire Alarm Installer course and was placed with Newcastle-based fire and security provider, Pyrocel. He was the first in his class to complete the apprenticeship in just 2.5 years and then enrolled on a Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship with Access Training where he said he “discovered a passion for organisation and problem-solving.”

John has seen rapid career progression including two promotions and a 60% pay increase since starting with Pyrocel where he is now a project engineer overseeing a team of installers and £2.4m worth of projects annually.

Ethan Roberts, curriculum lead, security & emergency systems, at Access Training, said: “We could immediately see that John had enormous potential. What he has achieved and the results he is delivering in such a short space of time, and at just 23 years old, is remarkable. Pyrocel’s managing director is beyond pleased with the return on investment from John’s apprenticeships.”