National Apprenticeship Week: Meet Anaya
To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve been having conversations with our apprentices past and present to find out what they gained from the experience.
Meet Anaya. She completed her apprenticeship with Connect in 2023. Having explored other roles, she’s now landed in the Business Intelligence team.
Name: Anaya Tehmina
Current Role: Assistant Data Analyst
Apprenticeship: Business Administration
When did you join Connect?
I joined in 2022, as an Admin Support Apprentice in the Property Services department and the apprenticeship ended in February 2024.
Why did you choose to pursue an apprenticeship?
I was at university studying Physical Science, but then Covid happened during my second year. With lockdown and everything, I wasn’t getting the best out of my course, so I started looking for other opportunities. I’d worked in a lot of admin roles previously, so someone suggested doing an apprenticeship. I knew I’d be able to challenge myself more and learn new skills.
How did you find the experience?
It was a learning experience. It really broadened my horizons. When I first started, I thought it might be hierarchical, but it was nice to be treated as an equal. I was given responsibility and able to build my confidence. I was able to network and meet all sorts of people from all walks of life, allowing me to learn skills like communication.
What else did you learn during your time on the apprenticeship?
I learnt the office systems, and how the company operates. I was also speaking to residents and scheduling appointments with them which improved my listening and empathy skills.
What was your proudest achievement as an apprentice?
I was able to handle my own projects, for example overseeing the installation of new boilers. I realised the system for arranging appointments could be improved so I created a whole new process.
How did your apprenticeship help you in your current role?
Through the apprenticeship, I gained experience with both people and data. So, when it ended, I first started working as a Housing Liaison Officer but came to realise I leaned more towards data. When an opening came up in the Business Intelligence team, I applied and have been working as an Assistant Data Analyst since then.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship?
Yes, it opened up doors for me at a time when it was getting harder to find opportunities. With the networking skills I gained from the apprenticeship, I was even able to explore my options within the company. I’d recommend it to others. People learn in different ways. I’m a visual learner so I gained a lot from the year. You get to see processes first hand and when you’re learning on the job it’s easier to remember.
