As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2022, the Local Council Road Innovation Group (LCRIG)’s Finance and Membership Co-ordinator, Adam, reflects on his experience working as an apprentice for LCRIG.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship with the Local Council Road Innovations Group (LCRIG)?
After finishing university, studying Agricultural Science, I wasn’t sure of what career path to take, and wasn’t at the stage of properly ‘job hunting’. The opportunity to work for LCRIG was presented to me and as I got to know more about LCRIG, through chatting with Susanne during the interview process, my gut feeling was very positive, and I was excited by the opportunity. I also realised, after focussing on the scientific field from GCSEs to degree level, that I wanted a change to focus on the world of business, and LCRIG has been the perfect way to achieve this.
What does a typical day in the office look like for you?
First order of business is usually to make the first brew round (and subsequent other rounds)! I will then check my email inbox, any other messages and my to-do list for the day. I will update our bank account on our finance System through regularly reconciling with our bank statement, so we have an up-to-date picture, and it means less stress at month-end. There then may be a morning meeting or two to attend, usually virtually on Teams/Microsoft Teams. If not, then I will process any invoices, purchase orders or remittances etc. on our finance system. I will also work on membership coordination, including following up any enquiries or reaching out to potential members, processing application forms and answering queries. I will also speak to any businesses, councils or organisations about LCRIG and our services, and finally processing any payments for membership.
What does a typical day at college look like for you?
My day starts with a drive to Blackburn college for 9:00am and we will start with the class straight away, often first recapping the previous covered topics and then starting on the next chapters of the course module that we are currently on. We have just finished the content for the Indirect Tax Unit, everything to do with VAT and VAT returns. We will usually have a half way break at 10:30 for 30 mins, then carry on with the class, either progressing with the unit or answering practice questions on the topic. My class finishes at 1:00pm, so after lunch I will sometimes go into the college library to work on the practice questions for the chapters covered that day and update my learning journal.
What have you learnt so far from your apprenticeship?
In terms of course content at college, I have learnt about using advanced double-entry bookkeeping, how to prepare financial statements and everything fundamental about VAT, as well as the ethics surrounding the world of finance and accountancy. I will also be learning about costing in Management Accounting, ethics for accountants in focus and spreadsheets in accounting.
In terms of my job at LCRIG, I have learnt so much about the highways industry, including companies, events, people, products, processes and a fair amount of jargon! I have also learnt how to talk to people I haven’t met before about the company I work for, how to explain products and services and how to address the needs of a customer. I have also learnt plenty about how businesses work and how a business is run and how everyone can fit in with their expertise and experiences to create amazing harmony and achieve incredible things, for the betterment of the road network and the sector around us.
What’s your favourite part about working for LCRIG?
Definitely being able to work with a fantastic group of people who are really genuine and have created a fantastic work atmosphere that keeps me motivated to keep coming to perform at the best of my ability and give me the opportunity to maximise my learning and experience to give me the best start to my professional career.
What advice would you give to those looking to apply for an apprenticeship
I would recommend doing an apprenticeship 100%. It should not be dismissed easily if you’re deciding on your next step in education or looking to go back into education. Take the job interview and induction process seriously as it’s not easy and it can affect your whole working life the way you approach an apprentice position. It’s a breath of fresh air to me after going through the academic path of sixth form then university, that I can learn something more vocational and get paid for learning at the same time. Personally, I’m very reluctant to pass up on the opportunity for more education and knowledge as it can be a key to success in life generally. I don’t think it would suit everyone as everyone has different interests and styles of learning. An apprenticeship is very hands on and vocational, I also really enjoyed my time and thrived at sixth form and university also, so it can really depend on the individual and by recommending an apprenticeship I don’t discount other forms of further education and higher education such as A levels, vocational courses and degrees. However, I do think more should be done to highlight the merits of apprenticeships and should be seen as truly equal to the A level and University route, rather than as an ‘alternative education’.
What are your plans for the next stage of your career?
I would of course like to finish my apprenticeship with as best a grade as I can firstly, from there I would like to strengthen my job experience and hopefully progress with my role at LCRIG. However, as I managed to get this position at LCRIG sort of unexpectedly, I’ve learnt that opportunities can come out of the blue, so I have no concrete plans just yet, but I’m very happy where I am currently.