Flo Tomlinson, 20, is about to complete her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at Aster. Ahead of starting her permanent role she reflects on her apprenticeship journey.  

 Was an Apprenticeship always the route you planned to take? 

I attended Cirencester College to do my A-Levels in English, History and Sociology, at the end of my first year I undertook work experience for two weeks in two different companies. It was then I decided I wanted to work and not go to University.

 How did you find working from home when you were so new to Aster? 

It was a strange experience, I was able to meet the team and collect my laptop in the office for 30 minutes when I started (September 2021). Then I was back home and on the phone to my manager for the rest of that week learning systems and getting set up. I had in my favour that I didn’t have experience of working in an office, so I didn’t know any different. In Summer 2021 I was able to meet the team and from September we worked in the office 1 – 2 times a week. It’s been great to finally meet people who I’ve been speaking to on the phone!

 What is your advice to others who were considering an apprenticeship? 

100% go for it, it has opened so many doors, I was really nervous and worried about being young in the team but this role has given me lots of confidence and lots of opportunities. I am literally being paid for learning!