Apprenticeship case study : Emma Brown, Royal Bank of Scotland

Former PM Training apprentice, Emma Brown, started her journey as an Administration Assistant back in 2012 and after landing a job with the Royal Bank of Scotland she catapulted her career to Canada.

After leaving school Emma went to college but didn't really enjoy it and preferred the idea of gaining work experience and learning on the job. 

She said: "I knew I wasn't going to be able to walk straight into a job, so when I heard about PM Training through a family friend I did some research and realised that there were opportunities available that enabled you to earn whilst also continuing education."

After a successful work trial, Emma was offered an apprenticeship with Aspire Housing working within an office environment. She studied towards her NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration.

She continues: "I never really knew what I wanted to do when I left school so completing the apprenticeship gave me the work experience and qualifications I needed which opened up a lot of different opportunities for me.

It's always a nervous time when starting somewhere new, you never know what to expect, but everyone was really friendly and helped me fit right in."

An apprenticeship allowed Emma to gain experience whilst getting paid and working towards a qualification. After completing her apprenticeship she progressed into a role in Corporate Banking with The Royal Bank of Scotland. Here she gained several more years of on the job experience at their offices in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

As part of her role at The Royal Bank of Scotland, she gained a 6-month employment break and took the opportunity to travel to Canada. 

Young people are provided with a lot of information about career choices in the final years of school. When asked about the career option of an apprenticeship Emma said:

"I would say go for it! You are gaining on the job experience and earning whilst still learning and the possibilities are endless. If it wasn't for PM Training I wouldn't be where I am today."

Emma has been working and living in Vancouver, Canada for just over a year doing Administration and Business Management. Vancouver is one of Canada's most ethnically diverse cities, popular with film makers and it has a thriving art, theatre and music scene.

Emma continues: "I love it out here, the lifestyle is completely different but I wouldn't change anything about it. It is one of the best things I have ever done. 

Without the qualifications I got at PM Training I probably wouldn't have been as successful in Canada."

Apprenticeships open up a variety of career doors and further education, even to degree level.

As a former apprentice who has gained skills to work abroad, completed an apprenticeship and is now enjoying the benefits, Emma says: "Anything is possible if you put your mind to it and always believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to take opportunities, you never know where they can take you."