National Apprentice Week 2019



The British Geological Survey is passionate about developing minds and introducing people to science, whether it’s schoolchildren visiting our main Keyworth site – more on that next week – or offering apprenticeships within one of our many research, business development or communications teams. 

The BGSs apprenticeship programme welcomes both school leavers and those wanting a career change the opportunity to learn new skills and develop in both a professional and personal context within the British Geological Survey. As an organisation, we realise that not only do apprenticeships benefit those appointed, but that we as an employer and the wider economy as a whole are enriched by employing a new workforce with a thirst for learning.  

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we invited a few of our current apprentices to tell us a little bit about their role within the BGS, and how they’ve found the process:


Tom

My apprenticeship at the BGS is within the professional development team for Groundhog Desktop. My first six months alone have been such a steep learning curve, not only through moving from education to the world of work but also in developing new skills. Communication, independence, presentation skills and delivering training are just some of the areas within which the team at BGS have helped me to progress. With the creation of a 3D viewer to sixth form/school outreach providing the next generation of potential apprentices with the information they need on the opportunities out there, this apprenticeship and the team is allowing people to access some amazing opportunities to improve themselves.

Liam

I’m a Database Engineer and analyst at the BGS. I’ve only been here for about five weeks, however I settled in straight away and have learnt so much already. So far, I have been working with a team of experienced database developers to design a laboratory information management system. This has not just progressed my problem solving and IT skills but, more importantly, my communication skills and ability to work professionally and effectively in a team. I am very excited for all the opportunities I will face in the future to work a variety of different projects in the many different scientific fields that BGS takes part in.

Sam

I have been an apprentice at the BGS for six months now, working in informatics for data science for a business administration course. Although the transition from school to work has been entirely new to me, BGS helped fit me to a role that suits me best, as well as pushing me to become a better-rounded person. Offering different courses and activities, such as football, within the workplace has also been enjoyable and has helped me develop outside of an office setting. BGS has helped me understand the core qualities needed and desired within a workplace and has helped me to work on the skills I need, which has led to me being more confident within myself. BGS has made me feel welcome and useful within the company, taking care of me now and also looking toward my future career.

Megan

I work in the data ingestion team within the BGS. My apprenticeship course is a Business Administration Level 2 Qualification. I’ve been at the BGS just over six months now, and in that time I have already learnt so many new skills and come across new challenges. Working in a team that has enabled me to recognise and develop skills has been brilliant and has helped me to progress as a person, as well as in a work context. This apprenticeship has given me some fantastic opportunities and I look forward to the future.

Josh

Since starting my apprenticeship here at the BGS I’ve had all sorts of responsibilities in my role as a Digital Marketer. I’ve taken part in events, designed logos and infographics and produced newsletters which are sent out to thousands of people, helping to improve our product exposure. I’ve learnt so much from working here and from the wide variety of projects I have worked on. It’s helped me understand what my interests are and where I want to go next.


Liz

I recently completed an apprenticeship in Business Admin in the library at the British Geological Survey. The BGS offered me a path whereby I could learn the skills required to work in libraries ‘on-the-job’, gaining relevant and practical experience, without having to return to university and pursue a specialised (and expensive!) Library Science post-grad. The past one-and-a-bit years have been an extremely valuable experience as I have developed my skill set and learnt new things, especially with regards to communication, organisation & data handling. With libraries becoming increasingly digital, and the changes happening in how we publish (open-access etc.), it is a very interesting time to be working in a research library. I look forward to the rest of my time here and taking advantage of all of the opportunities that BGS has to offer.

Jonathan

I’m currently working at the BGS within the Groundhog Desktop development team as an Apprentice Software Developer. I have been working here for just over seven months and in that time I have learnt so much, not just in programming but also developing business skills. I have done lots of tasks whilst here, ranging from working on the Groundhog application to visiting a university to help train students in using the software. My experience at BGS has been invaluable in helping me progress as a person, and with the amazing opportunities that I’ve been offered so far, I can look forward to my future career.


The British Geological Survey’s apprenticeship scheme offers paid work for approximately one year and can lead, in some cases, to securing a permanent role within the company. Please keep your eye on our jobs page for details on upcoming schemes. 

#NationalApprenticeshipWeek #NationalApprenticeshipWeek2019 #NAW2019 #BGS #BritishGeologicalSurvey #GroundhogDesktop #Internships

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