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Apprentice Testimonials

Hear what our apprentices have to say

Shemelia Lewis - Business administration apprentice

Before starting my apprenticeship, I wasn’t entirely sure how I could build my career as I decided to change industries and start from scratch. I had already been to university and had my eyes set on a different life. When I came across the opportunity to learn again as well as gain the knowledge and experience needed to get my foot in the door, I took it.

I am grateful for my apprenticeship journey as I have now secured a new permanent job within my organisation Enfield Council. I also had the chance to do lots of activities outside of my role such as taking part in and hosting events. I chair the Young Professionals Staff Network within the Council and continue to grow in my professionalism and leadership. You get what you put in so anytime I wanted to learn something new to enhance and increase my skillset, I was able to exercise this even if it meant speaking to staff in different departments.

Now that I have reached the end, the world is my oyster!

Latifa Abu - Level 3 Business Administration:

"I was referred to Barnet and Southgate College by the Careers Advisor from my secondary school. The apprenticeship team contacted me go through the apprenticeship information. The process of getting into an apprenticeship happened really quickly and I’m extremely grateful for Nichola and all the help and support that she had given me. Within the first week, I had an interview and the second week I had a three day trial. The process was not stressful and I was able to get the position without any trouble. Looking forward to starting with the employer and training with Barnet and Southgate College."

Kya Appah studied Level 3 Business Administration:

"I started studying with Barnet and Southgate College in October 2019 and finished it in November 2020. This is brilliant as my original end date was in late January 2021. By finishing earlier, it meant that could start progressing to a Level 4 qualification quicker than I thought. The apprenticeship team at Barnet and Southgate were amazing and incredibly supportive throughout my time there, especially my tutor. She contacted me on a regular basis to let me know what I was missing from my work and how to fix it. She also always responded quickly to any queries I had which meant I could focus on my work. I am delighted to share that my overall achievement result was a Distinction, so thank you to the College on supporting me to achieve this. Overall, my experience with Barnet and Southgate was amazing - they are incredibly efficient with booking tests and giving you accurate feedback. I highly recommend anyone looking to do a Business Administration apprenticeship to do it through Barnet and Southgate College. "

James Hedges - Gas Engineering Apprentice

In 2021 I joined Barnet and Southgate College as a gas engineering apprentice.  Working for Axis Europe Plc, I gained valuable on-site experience as well as coming to college on a weekly basis to learn theory and practical gas skills. 

In 2023, I completed my apprenticeship, became a fully-qualified gas engineer and have never looked back.  I’m now fully employed by Axis Europe Plc, with my own van, and  I support new apprentices into the business. I’m now working on my commercial gas.

And for me, I have qualified without huge debt and a career path that is exciting and varied - what’s not to love about apprenticeships!!

Shaun Henley took a Lean Manufacturing Apprenticeship with Thorlux

Since starting the Lean Manufacturing Apprenticeship, I have achieved 2 promotions and find myself looking at every situation I am faced with differently than before doing the course . I’m implementing lean skills within my department and problem solving a lot more. I now resolve issues instead of trying to work through the best we could and the problems re-occurring.  

Evie Zelinger, business apprentice at Monkfrith Primary School:

“Barnet and Southgate College is a great place to learn with lots of resources and great tutors. The course delivery is great and the support provided is extremely helpful. I have really enjoyed my course at the College and I would highly recommend it to others looking to continue their learning.”

Delia Hutchinson - Business administration apprentice

I have always wanted to work in an environment where I could give back to the community and others, but I didn’t have any experience working in an office environment. 

I applied for the Business Administrator Apprenticeship at Enfield Council and secured a placement in their Adult Social Care Department.

The training from Enfield Council and Barnet and Southgate College enabled me to become more confident in my abilities and to improve my skills in IT and engaging with stakeholders such as GPs and care agencies. I achieved a STAR Award for my hard work, which meant the world to me.

I have now completed my apprenticeship, gained my maths and English qualifications and secured a permanent role with Enfield Council. I would recommend apprenticeships to anyone of all ages who would like to develop a new career path.

Cameron Lynch completed both Level 2 and 3 Business Administration apprenticeships at the College:

" Barnet and Southgate College quickly found multiple places of employment for me and set up interviews for me to attend, they even helped me move from one workplace to another in the middle of one of my courses. Throughout my education, I had the full support of my tutors which allowed me to overcome any challenges that I was faced with, thanks to their constant help and motivation. I am now looking to use the qualification and the skills Barnet and Southgate taught me to go to university. I am delighted with my Distinction result for my End Point assessment, thank you to everyone involved."

Rachel Hotchkiss - Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship, Thorlux

This Apprenticeship has given me more confidence to look at the department and see how I can make improvements. I can make a difference!  

Joel Scott - Gas Engineering Apprentice

I had been working in the Plumbing industry for some time and wanted to upskill and add Gas Engineering to my qualifications.

I came across the Gas Engineering Apprenticeship at Barnet and Southgate College.  I learnt both theoretical and practical skills, and have been able to practice these in my workplace with the support of my gas engineer. 

I completed the apprenticeship and I'm now a fully qualified gas engineer.

Apprenticeships are not just for those leaving school; they're a great way to add new skills and knowledge at any point in your career.

Renata Lupica is completing a Business Administrator apprenticeship with Barnet Council. She said: 

“I applied online for my Business apprenticeship with Barnet and Southgate College, which was quickly followed by meeting the Apprenticeship Team. I am so happy with the decision I made. When I met them everything fell into place. They handled everything for me, including booking me in for an interview with the employer and preparing me for the interview. It has been a wonderful experience and I would definitely recommend this college to anybody thinking of taking a next step in their education.”

Luke Stevens-Sinclair - Lean Manufacturing Apprentice

Here are a few of the standout positives which have come alongside the Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship.

  • Valuable resources and tuition.
  • Improved personal and group knowledge in a Lean Manufacturing environment.
  • Being part of a team working on projects related to the apprenticeship and other projects in the workplace.
  • Being a key player in shop floor processes, passing on valuable knowledge to colleagues and allowing them to learn and improve alongside you.
  • Recognition as an employee who can be relied upon to guide colleagues, and manage and lead teams.

I have now completed my Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship with Pirelli Tyres and gained a distinction.  

Daniel Thompson - Lean Manufacturing Operative, Thorlux

Since starting this apprenticeship, I have gained substantial knowledge which I have implemented this into my job role.  I have since gained a promotion and the apprenticeship has helped me to achieve this.  

Igor Bochentin - Gas Engineering Apprentice

I left school at 16 knowing I wanted to be a gas engineer.  I was too young to do a private course, so the apprenticeship route was perfect for me, and I enrolled on the Level 3 Gas Engineering Apprenticeship with Barnet and Southgate College.

I gained valuable practical experience on site with my company and attended weekly off-the-job training at college.

I am now a fully qualified gas engineer, have completed my full apprenticeship with a distinction, and now trade under my own business.