Apprentice Case Study: Olivia Power, Business Support Consultant

Meet Olivia, a Business Support Consultant here at Smart Training and Recruitment 😁

Recently we asked her to share her apprenticeship journey, and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to see how the very programmes we deliver every day can empower our own team members. By stepping into the role of a learner, Olivia has been able to bridge the gap between her existing expertise and the formal qualifications needed to take her career to the next level.

Question 1 – What made you decide to take on an apprenticeship rather than another route into the role?
Working within the training provider sector, I see every day how apprenticeships transform lives. I wanted to formalise my own skills and ensure I had the strongest possible foundation for my future career, so taking on an apprenticeship while continuing my work here was the perfect choice.

Question 2 – What were you hoping to get out of the apprenticeship when you started?
I was looking for a mix of professional growth and technical knowledge. I wanted to understand the “whys” of business administration—from legislation to advanced software use—to become more effective in my consultancy role.

Question 3 – Were there any nerves or doubts going in?
Even though I work in this environment, I definitely had nerves about being the one in the “student” seat again. I worried about balancing my full-time responsibilities with the academic requirements, but the support from my colleagues and tutor helped me settle in quickly.

Question 4 – In one sentence, what would you say the apprenticeship has given you?
The professional confidence and specialised skills to turn a job into a career.

Olivia’s story is a brilliant reminder that when you invest in your own potential, you don’t just gain a qualification, you gain the opportunity to shape your own future 🎓✨

Watch the full interview here – https://www.instagram.com/p/DUiLYkQEeLL/