Sophie Westoby joined the Inzpire team nearly 18 months ago as an apprentice receptionist, studying Level 3 Business Administration. With her apprenticeship almost complete, she shares her experience and what she’s enjoying most about her career at Inzpire during National Apprenticeship Week.
I finished my A levels at the start of lockdown and after being furloughed from my part-time pub job, I became stuck in a rut. After around a month of doing nothing and hating it, my mum and sister who were working in a care home at the time said they were short staffed. I got a job working in care and in the cleaning department too as Covid was high at this point and staff were stretched. I spent a year and a half at the care home, working loads of hours and saving up in the hope of some big trips after Covid! I enjoyed every bit - giving back is what I love to do.
As life began to get back to ‘normal’ and places opened again, I knew I wanted to do something different, but I was unsure of potential careers. When the position at Inzpire came up, I applied on a whim but thought I would never get the job as I had little experience. Now nearly 18 months later here I am, coming to the end of my apprenticeship, and loving every minute. It has flown by! I’ve enjoyed throwing myself into a variety of tasks. I attend meetings; join courses; I’m a member of the wellbeing committee; and I get to meet new faces every day - I’ve even mastered flat pack furniture!
I chose to do the apprenticeship in business administration as I knew it would be great to have under my belt, with a range of potential careers to go into afterwards. Juggling work and studying is hard sometimes, but Inzpire has given me a day a week to do my college work, and this has helped me feel less stressed. I have a great relationship with my Inzpire team, and I know if I ever feel anxious or need extra time to study, they fully support me.
Inzpire also offer a great holiday allowance! This has enabled me to travel to five countries this year which is more than I have ever done in my life! After this time to relax I come back with fresh ideas and a good mindset when balancing college and work life.
My advice to others is that if you’re ever in doubt that you can do a job, just put yourself out there and try new things like I did. During my time with Inzpire I have become more confident and outgoing as I found my place, learned, and developed new skills (something I always used to worry I lacked). Everyone has been welcoming and made me feel at ease, which is what you need from any company.
Find out more about career opportunities at Inzpire here.
