College Apprentice Excels in Business Industry

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, East Sussex College catches up with Jake Babington Wright, Business Administrator Apprentice at Californian Classics.

Californian Classics is a motor vehicle dealer in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex and is where Jake is developing and already thriving in his desired industry.

Jake, who has been doing the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship, outlined the benefits of doing an Apprenticeship and the support from East Sussex College since he began his journey.

Speaking to the College, Jake said, “I found my Apprenticeship through a job search website. Since becoming an apprentice here I’ve developed an array of skills. I’ve learned customer service, different methods of stock control, ways to manage and control the website - a wide-range of skills!

“[As an apprentice at Californian Classics] there’s a focus on stock taking, call taking, and general administration as that’s the course that I’m studying. I work on anything to do with administering the business. I thoroughly enjoy it, it’s good fun! The College and my assessor have been very supportive throughout my role as an apprentice so far. We have regular chats and the support is very pleasant!”

Speaking on why people should study an Apprenticeship, Jake said, “An Apprenticeship is a good way to build your skills, and you get paid while you learn - what’s not to like! I’m learning valuable skills that I can carry for the rest of my career.

“Ideally, after my Apprenticeship finishes, I would like to continue working here! But, there’s a chance that may not happen, so If I don’t I’d like to do something in Business Administration and cars!”

Shelley White, Operations Manager and part-owner at Californian Classics, said, “We employ apprentices because we believe that it will give people a job opportunity for a start, but it also allows them to grow and work towards our company needs.

“We use different methods to get apprentices, it depends what course they’re on, but we liaise with local colleges. East Sussex College has supported our company through liaising with us, setting it up initially, but also going forward throughout the programme they’ve been in contact with us about the reviews and in this case how Jake is progressing.”

Shelley added, “I think employers should have apprentices because they add value to your company. In line with the College, they learn and are training on the job. Apprentices grow within your company. Particularly in the case of our apprentices, they are helping to build our company into the position it is today.

“I think young people should consider taking an Apprenticeship because it will give them the opportunity to learn the trade and it’s a way into employment. Instead of perhaps taking a degree, some people prefer to learn on the job and gain skills and experience in that way.”

To find out more about the Apprenticeships on offer at East Sussex College and explore a wide variety of industry sectors, please visit: www.escg.ac.uk/apprenticeships/our-industry-sectors.