Bart Bialowas is benefitting from both studying and working at City College Southampton.

He is completing a level three business administration apprenticeship alongside working in the college’s admissions team as a student recruitment apprentice.

The 24-year-old, from Bishopstoke, started at City College in January this year and is rapidly gaining valuable business and customer service skills which he is putting into practice in his workplace.

Although still reasonably new to his role, Bart said: “I wanted to work in an admin role as this is something I enjoyed from my previous places of work.

“I realised that an apprenticeship would be the ideal way to get my foot in the door and gain some quality experience while obtaining a qualification at the same time.

“I wanted to be somewhere where my work would revolve around helping young people, and so found my way into the education sector.”

He continued: “My apprenticeship has enabled me to experience all elements of student recruitment which has really boosted my knowledge and confidence. I never imagined having the confidence to coordinate interviews with teachers and learning managers and advising young people on their options within a few months of starting.”

“I’ve already learned so much and am extremely grateful to both my teacher and his wealth of business management experience as well as my assessor for their invaluable support.”

Bart’s manager at City College, Corinna Knox, said recruiting apprentices brings numerous benefits to the organisation.“Bart joined us with a great enthusiasm to learn and develop his skills.

“He has already proven to be a valuable member of our student recruitment team, bringing fresh ideas to streamlining our student recruitment processes, and it’s been wonderful to see him excel in his job and his confidence grow.”

City College currently have three apprentices working within their business support areas. Corinna added: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way to recruit and develop our workforce as it enables us to invest in staff at the start of their careers with planned training. This ensures they have the knowledge and skills to be effective in their role.”