Apprenticeship Success- Meet Nia Millington

Business Administration apprentice Nia Millington completed her Level 2 apprenticeship with Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust and achieved the position of Ward Accreditation Administrator. Nia has also since progressed onto the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship and is keen to keep developing her skills. Check out Nia's story so far! Why did you choose to complete an apprenticeship with Warrington & Vale Royal College? Warrington & Vale Royal College was recommended to me by my employer on appointment as an apprentice at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospital (WHTH). The location was also great from both where I worked and from home. What do you feel is the best aspect of studying at Warrington & Vale Royal College? Warrington & Vale Royal College created an environment for me that was both supportive and responsive to my learning needs. They were flexible in their approach to my learning style and supported me every step of the way. How has your college tutor guided you through the course? My college tutor was friendly and approachable, I knew that I could ask about anything that I struggled with and she would offer advice and support where and when I needed it. What advice would you give to students considering an apprenticeship with Warrington & Vale Royal College? I would highly recommend Warrington & Vale College; the courses that they offer are useful and practical and teach you transferable skills for your work placement. The tutors are really approachable. Nothing was too much trouble. Can you tell us more about your apprenticeship and the organisation you are working for? When I left school at 16 after taking my GCSEs, full-time college wasn’t something I wanted to pursue so I applied and was offered a placement on the WHTH apprenticeship scheme studying business and administration level 2. This enabled me to continue my studies whilst gaining experience within the work place. I work for Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, I am based in Warrington and work within the workforce team. My role is varied and includes supporting the e-rostering team, recruitment and retention priorities and also the ward accreditation programme. My manager Jen McCartney has been so supportive and kind during my apprenticeship and made me feel comfortable working at a pace that enables me to learn and made me feel part of the team straight away. Not only have I learned practical skills to enable me to fulfil an administration role I have also grown as a person and have gained confidence in my abilities. What are your career plans after completing your apprenticeship? After my Level 2 apprenticeship ended in December 2019 I was offered a full time position working as a Ward Accreditation Administrator. Since then I have since been awarded two WHTH Value badges for working together and excellence which made me feel incredibly proud of my achievements. Do you feel your apprenticeship is helping you prepare for the next steps of your career? My apprenticeship helped enormously for me to take the first step into employment which can be a very daunting experience, however WHTH Apprenticeship Scheme was supportive and helped with every step and I am excited for my future with WHTH. I have now signed up for the Level 3 Business Administration course and am really looking forward to learning new skills and enhancing my knowledge further. Nia has made fantastic progress with WHTH and succeeded in being offered full-time employment. Nia is now signed up to her Level 3 Business Administration course and says she has been learning some fantastic new transferable skills. Nia says, "I am currently enrolled in Level 3 Business administration; this course has supported me increase my knowledge about business administration from learning how to create bespoke documents to improving my IT skills. I also like learning about other skills which could be carried out in other general admin jobs, such as providing admin support for meetings which is preparing me to move forward in my career." The college are incredibly proud of how well Nia has done, and can't wait to see the progress she makes! Click here to read an interview with Nia's manager Jen McCartney, who works as a Workforce Improvement Lead for WHTH. If you are a school leaver or an adult who would like to find out more about our exciting Business Administration apprenticeship, click here.