From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Cass’ Journey into Apprenticeship Success
Taking the first steps toward a career isn’t always straightforward, especially when experience feels like a barrier. That was the challenge Cass faced earlier this year. But with the right guidance, even the most uncertain path can lead to success.
Unsure of what direction to take, she decided to attend an Apprenticeship Event hosted by Britannia House Job Centre, where she met Mya, a member of the Recruitment Team at HBTC. Cass didn’t expect much from this event, but it ended up being the start of a brand-new chapter.
After joining our Employability Skills Course and working closely with our team, Cass has now landed herself a Business Administration Apprenticeship at a local primary school. We’re so proud of her and her journey, and we wanted to share this with you.
Finding direction at the Apprenticeship Event
When Cass first attended the Apprenticeship Event at Britannia House Job Centre back in February 2025, she was feeling stuck. She had good qualifications but found it difficult to land a job due to a lack of experience.
“I was finding it very tough to find work because I didn’t really have any experience, despite having decent qualifications. I really just needed someone to give me a chance”, Cass told us. “I went to the Apprenticeship Event with an open mind, but wasn’t really expecting anything to come from it. It turned out to be what got me into work – so it was definitely worth it!”
The event was designed to connect job seekers like Cass with training providers and employers. Tracey Jackson, Employer Engagement Adviser, explained: “The apprenticeship event was arranged to bring employers, training providers and candidates together to have meaningful conversations about career prospects and the training available to help candidates achieve their aspirations”
And for Cass, it did just that.
Building Confidence Through Training
Following the event, Cass enrolled on our Level 1 Employability Skills course here at HBTC. The course is all about building different skills and the confidence needed to succeed in the workplace. For Cass, this made a real difference.
“For me, it was the confidence it gave me,” she said.” Not only did it give me a better understanding of how the workplace should function and how to find my place within it, but also the support I was given by staff at the Training Centre really helped my personal confidence”
Her tutor, Dorian, saw that transformation first-hand:
“I think the biggest thing I’ve noticed is the increase in confidence that our Employability Skills learners develop. We do a lot of work on communication skills, and for a lot of learners who complete the course, this can hugely boost their confidence.”
Support That Goes Beyond the Classroom
At HBTC, we don’t just deliver training; we also work closely with learners and local employers to help create real opportunities. This personalised support stood out to Cass.
“They offered me training and advice to make me a more appealing candidate for roles,” she said. “But they also worked with myself and employers to find me suitable interview opportunities, which were really valuable. They were a much more reliable way to get interviews than even my own searching. The difference between them and other services is really how friendly and supportive the staff are – it really feels like each one is trying to get the best outcomes for you.”
This support has helped Cass land an amazing Apprenticeship opportunity with a local primary school, which is a fantastic achievement and a brilliant next step in her career.
Why Apprenticeships Matter
From the Job Centre’s perspective, success stories like Cass’ are a testament that partnerships with local training providers are so important.
Tracey Jackson stated, “Partnerships with local training providers are important to the Job Centre as this gives us a wide range of opportunities to share with our jobseekers, enabling them to move into their chosen fields. Apprenticeship opportunities are important for job seekers as they give candidates a chance to move into fields, they may have little or no experience of and also gives them the opportunity to earn whilst they learn.”
Cass’ Advice: Keep an Open Mind
When asked what advice she’d give others in her situation a few months ago, Cass didn’t hesitate:
“Learn. Learn and take every opportunity you can, even if it doesn’t lead to something immediately. Collecting skills, qualifications, and experiences will make you stand out from other candidates. More than that, I think it’s about having an open mindset and a willingness to try new things and meet new people. The Training Centre was very valuable in this – I got interviews for places I likely never would have found myself. I learned about what they do and they were good experiences. It also provided me with qualifications and skills that I think were a big part of my eventual employment.”
Looking Ahead
We’re so proud of Cass and everything that she has achieved, and we know this is just the beginning. Her journey is a fantastic reminder of how confidence, support and taking that first step can open doors to new opportunities.
Whether you’re looking to build your skills, explore Apprenticeships, or just want some guidance on your next move, we’re here to help – just like we were for Cass.
Please get in touch with us on 01482 211714 Or, click the link below.
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Mya Buckingham
Mya is a dedicated Recruitment Administrator with a passion for connecting people to opportunity. Specialising in apprenticeship placements, she plays a vital role in shaping future careers by engaging directly with candidates to understand their skills, goals, and aspirations. Mya also collaborates closely with employers to identify the perfect apprentice for their business needs, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience for both parties. Her commitment to creating meaningful connections and supporting successful career starts makes her a trusted link between talent and industry.