Daniele’s Apprenticeship Journey with ODS

Summary:
Daniele started her professional Business Administration apprenticeship in October 2022 and completed it in February 2024. She chose this path to build her career early, gain practical experience, and grow in confidence. Attracted to ODS for its community focus and professionalism, Daniele initially struggled with self-confidence, but over time this grew with the support of her peers.

The hands-on learning was the most valuable part of the apprenticeship for Daniele, helping her to develop skills for future roles. Now that Daniele has come to the end of her apprenticeship, and is seeking a marketing position, she advises others to pursue an apprenticeship in an area they are passionate about. She felt welcomed and supported at ODS, gaining both friends and new skills through the internal training programmes.

Challenge:
Daniele’s primary challenge during her apprenticeship was developing her confidence. When she first joined ODS, she was quiet and lacked self-assurance. The large organisational environment and the pressures of adapting to new tasks made her feel uncertain. As someone new to the professional world, navigating responsibilities and engaging with a team took time, which initially contributed to her uncertainty and self-doubt.

Solution:
To help Daniele overcome her confidence challenges, several key strategies were employed. Peer support and mentorship played a crucial role, providing guidance and reassurance as she navigated the world of work. Regular feedback sessions allowed Daniele to track her progress and build self-awareness. ODS also provided internal training workshops, which helped Daniele further develop her skills, and contributed to her growth. Additionally, Daniele’s responsibilities were increased gradually, allowing her to adjust at a comfortable pace, and build confidence steadily, without feeling overwhelmed.

Feedback:
"When I first started, I was quiet and unsure of myself. Thanks to the support of my peers at ODS, I’ve become more confident and now approach tasks with a positive mindset.

At ODS, I always felt welcomed and supported. Not only did I gain new skills, but I also made lasting friendships and built confidence for my future career."

Daniele - Business Administration Apprentice