07 Mar Setting the Standard: My Journey as a New Apprentice

We are very pleased to share a special blog post from one of our talented apprentices, who has been working with our Setting the Standard team over the past several months. This is the first time we have employed an apprentice, and the experience has been a very positive one. This is not only a testament to Abdullah’s hard work while he’s been with us, but is also a demonstration of how having apprentices can benefit an organisation. The impact is evident in the collaborative spirit and enthusiasm Abdullah has brought to his work, and the learning and development that has taken place across the team as a result. Join us in celebrating Abdullah’s achievements and the invaluable contributions he has made to Setting the Standard during his time with us so far…

“I am excited to be writing my first blog post as a new apprentice for Setting the Standard. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented and experienced team. I am also excited to contribute to the team’s success.

I started my apprenticeship in October 2024 and currently studying for a Level 3 Data technician apprenticeship. I am learning so much about the different aspects of data science. I am also developing my skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

I am looking forward to continuing my apprenticeship and develop further skills. I am also excited to see what the future holds for me at Setting the Standard.

In addition to my own experiences, I would also like to share some tips for future apprentices who want to be a part of our team:

• Be curious and ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Your manager and colleagues are there to help you learn.
• Be proactive and take initiative – Don’t wait to be told what to do. Be proactive and take initiative to get involved in extracurricular activities such as the apprentices challenge which takes place every year in February for the purpose of National apprenticeship week. This year we are raising money for a charity called log cabin which specialises in after school, weekend and holiday club for children with disabilities and additional needs. I am taking part in the raffle team and the auction team where I will participate in making an art piece and selling it to employees in the council that are willing to buy it. All money collected and raised will be sent to the charity. There are also chances to give talks to schools in the borough as well as workshops you can participate in.
• Be a team player – Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to develop your teamwork skills. Be a team player and support your team and build good connections with fellow apprentices as you may have the same issues or problems, they faced making it far easier to relate. There are also fellow apprentices that have completed their apprenticeships and have received a full-time role that are here to help you go through your journey.
• Be patient and persistent – It takes time to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in your apprenticeship. Be patient and persistent, and you will eventually achieve your goals.

 Projects I have worked on

As a data apprentice, I contributed to a project focused on automating the upload process for the Setting the Standard portal page. This involved enhancing the sites functionality to make it more efficient and user-friendly for both property providers and inspectors. We are currently working on improvements to streamline the workflow and ensure a smoother experience for all users.

Choosing an apprenticeship Over university

I chose a local authority apprenticeship over university for a few reasons. Firstly, I wanted to get real-world experience as well as not having a financial burden in the long run as an apprenticeship is debt free and earning money. Secondly, having the opportunity to network with far more experienced people in my line of work and across Perceval House. To top it off I was born and raised in the borough of Ealing, and I want to give back to the community the way Ealing has helped me and my family.

Another advantage of choosing an apprenticeship over university is being able to work hybrid. One of the things I appreciate most about working hybrid is the balance it provides. The flexibility allows me to schedule my study time which I take on a Friday and being able to fully focus on my day-to-day tasks which need to be completed. By balancing my learning and tasks really accelerates my development as an apprentice helps me excel in skills such as time management.

Finally, I would like to thank Bonita my manager who has welcomed me in with open hands. She has been extremely patient with me as being a new apprentice and very new to the working world. I would also like to thank all the inspection officers especially Arti and Ryan who let me come along with them on visits across West London. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from them when inspection temporary accommodation units. I would also like to thank Mike who gave me the chance to create this blog sharing my thoughts on how it is like becoming  an apprentice working for Setting the Standard.”