I started out on a college course but I wanted to gain work experience and start earning money, so I decided to switch onto an apprenticeship.

I found the role at Paragon on the government’s apprenticeship website. I made an application, went through an interview process and got the job.

This apprenticeship leads to an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Business Administration. It takes just over a year to complete and it includes a mix of work experience and self-study.

At work, I’m part of a busy team responsible for reviewing and organising the payment of loans to business customers. My role is to make sure that all the checks and the paperwork have been properly completed to grant the loan and then to instruct the finance team to release the funds to the customer.

There’s a lot to learn and it takes time to get to grips with everything, but you’re actively involved right from the start. You’re completely supported by your colleagues until you’ve proven that you’re ready to work independently.

My studies are overseen by an external training provider and I have to complete eight different study units, as well as a final assessment and a project. The learning covers a broad range of topics, from business fundamentals and data protection to organisation procedures and payments. My managers have been a great support and have given me time to complete the course in a timely manner.

I’d really recommend the apprenticeship route. The best thing about it is that you’re learning and gaining responsibility all the time. I’ve already been offered a permanent role and I’m really motivated to keep progressing here at Paragon.