Break the trend: Meet Our Apprenticeship Champion Daniel Saunders

“I chose to do an apprenticeship as I wanted to be earning money whilst working towards a career rather than spending time at University!”

We had a chat with Daniel Saunders who is completing his Level 4 Business Administration qualification at Mortgages Explained – a well-respected and expert mortgage advice company in Plymouth city centre. We asked Daniel why he chose an apprenticeship.

“I wanted to develop my business knowledge further – and particularly in finance. The role here allows me to broaden my knowledge of mortgages and build on my previous experience through getting involved in a huge variety of tasks. I manage the case loads of customers from start to finish, which means I phone lenders and solicitors for updates, make sure customers are well informed of processes and ensure applications are completed properly. I also help the mortgage advisors with research.

“The job was daunting at first as the mortgage sector is a whole new business area to get to grips with. However the team are very supportive, we all get on well, and I’m really enjoying the job. Once I’ve completed my qualification, I’d like to stay here and start the Certificate of Mortgage Advice. This takes 12 months to complete and then I’ll be a trainee mortgage advisor – I’m very grateful that the company is willing to support me through this. In the future, I’d like to keep growing with the organisation.

“My advice for anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be to take on more responsibility wherever you can and embrace the opportunity to learn new skills. I’m pleased I chose to do an apprenticeship as I now have an exciting career in front of me!”

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School