My name is Lauren and I have been working at Manor Community since 2021! I started here as a Business Administration Apprentice and I am now a General Administrator and Trainee Finance Administrator.

Once completing my GCSEs, I thought I would be going to college to do my a-levels but as time got closer I knew that being in a school setting again just wasn’t for me. I didn’t know much about apprenticeships so I researched into it and thought it sounded perfect for me as you can learn on the job whilst earning money. When I completed my first apprenticeship, I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue further, so I decided to leave there so I could progress in a different company. This was difficult to do as it was during the pandemic so all interviews were virtual, but I was lucky enough to secure a position at Manor Community.

Working in an office at such a young age has helped me to learn so many new skills which have helped me to get to the position I am in now. Some of the skills I have developed are: using my initiative, IT proficiency, communication and time management. As I progressed through my apprenticeship, I took on more responsibilities and began to see the impact of my work on the organisation. It was incredibly fulfilling to know that my contributions were making a difference. My confidence levels have increased massively at work and in my personal life.

I am grateful for the support and encouragement I received along the way, and I look forward to continuing to grow and progress within Manor Community. All the support I received during my apprenticeship helped me to get a distinction overall which is something I never thought I’d be able to do!

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I highly recommend it. It's a fantastic way to gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and kickstart your career. My journey at Manor Community has been an incredible learning experience, and I am excited to see what the future holds.