A Chesterfield woman has recently added to her impressive skillset and progressed within her current role, after taking on an apprenticeship at the age of 31.
Kiera Robinson is a Business Administrator/ Researcher at Railview Ltd. based in Barrow Hill, and has improved her career prospects after working alongside DBC Training to learn new skills and gain vital career support.
Kiera said: “I had previously been to College and University to study Nursing, I decided to have a change of career and joined Railview as an Administration Assistant. It was when I was on the European Computing Driving License (ECDL) course at DBC training in Derby in January 2020 to help develop my IT skills, that I learnt about apprenticeships.
“An employee at DBC overheard me talking about my job and mentioned that the Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship course would be perfect for myself and a great route to take as was it linked directly to my job and would help me progress professionally.”
Keira explained why she wanted to take on an apprenticeship, despite the perception that the career route is only open to school or college leavers: “I decided I wanted to pursue the apprenticeship because I wanted to develop my career prospects, gain a new qualification that was relevant to my job role, progress further within the company I work for and to learn more about Business and Administration by gaining new knowledge, skills, and experience whilst on the job.
“It was the perfect way for me to progress, earn money, support my family and home, and gain a qualification that would help me in the future. I would recommend anyone to do an apprenticeship, no matter what your personally circumstances or age. You will get a qualification; you’ll gain valuable skills and knowledge to help with your future and your career. Starting my apprenticeship was the best thing I could have done for myself personally and for my career prospects, I wish I had done it sooner.”
Peter Roberts, Digital Marketing Manager at DBC Training Ltd, said: “We provide the local community with enhanced opportunities to learn new skills and receive expert support, providing a pathway to a new career across a wide range of sectors. DBC also work in partnership with local employees to match people to opportunities, providing a vital role in both supporting the local economy and local people.
“DBC Training offers an exciting range of qualifications and learning programmes across multiple locations, sectors and industries that will support your career aspirations.
“Our courses are specifically tailored to support your individual learning needs; and can lead to work experience, paid employment or progression within your chosen career path. If you are looking for your first career opportunity or to further progress in your current role, then we can support you. You can find our full apprenticeship offer here – https://www.dbc-training.co.uk/apprenticeships”
Kiera has continued to develop her skills further, and has now enrolled on the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Derby. The University’s Academic Lead for Management Apprenticeships, Spencer Ryan-Prewett commented: “The CMDA has proven to be incredibly popular as a means for individuals to undertake an Apprenticeship and secure a Degree, in addition to providing significant Business Leadership and Management skills from an employer perspective.
“Our Apprentices are consistently demonstrating higher level skills, knowledge and behaviours leading to broad ranging organisational benefits. The University of Derby CMDA Programme is also high performing with 80% of our Apprentices securing high Merit and Distinction results from their independent, external Assessment at the end of the programme.
“The Apprentices are supported by a very structured programme which blends classroom and online teaching in a way that recognises the challenges associated with undertaking a Degree Level programme whilst balancing work and home life. We are delighted to be able to get a programme underway in Chesterfield in September this year and welcome contact from anyone wanting more information about the Apprenticeship
To find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield, and how they can support your career, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/
DBC Training supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
