Alan Jobczyk

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.  

My name is Alan, I’m 17, Polish and I work at WasteManaged as a Customer Experience Advisor. In my free time, I like to play football and video games. I left high school in June 2024 after my GCSEs with hopes of becoming an apprentice in business administration, eventually working my way up the ladder to gain leadership experience. As a child, I’d always told my parents that I wanted to be a businessman, and I don’t think I’ve disappointed! 

How did you hear about Newcastle College? Did you attend an Open Day before starting at the College, or did you find out another way?  

I heard about Newcastle College through my friends and family, since when I was leaving school a lot of people were still deciding where to go, so it was a big topic of conversation at the time. I looked on the Newcastle College website and found out that the College offered an apprenticeship programme that found employers for us, rather than me having to source my placement independently, which (in my opinion) is much harder to do. Newcastle College is also close, convenient and seemed like the best choice I could make at the time. 

Why did you choose to study at Newcastle College? And what made you decide to enrol on an apprenticeship through the College?  

I used the apprenticeship programme here to find myself an employer. Within a couple of weeks, I received an invitation to an assessment day on campus, which helped me to display my teamworking, leadership and listening skills. I also took part in a mock interview as part of the training day to prepare for future employment opportunities, which definitely helped me when I was invited to an interview with WasteManaged. 

Did you choose to study at Newcastle College directly, or did you apply through your employer?   

I applied to Newcastle College directly, but with the express intention of using them to help me find an apprenticeship employer in business administration. Thankfully, the team were very helpful and I was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship placement with WasteManaged not too long after I applied! 

Can you tell me a bit about your experience studying at Newcastle College?  

Ever since I started my apprenticeship, my experience at Newcastle College has been great! I feel I’ve learnt so much information that supports my practical and professional development throughout my apprenticeship. The way each lesson is planned out allows me to process the information I’m taught and truly understand it.  

What kinds of advice and support have you received from your college tutors, support staff, or the apprenticeship team while studying your course? How much support would you say you have received through your employer?  

I’ve received a lot of support from both College staff and tutors, as well as my employer. From simple exercises to job my memory on specific topics, one-to-one meetings, mock exams and more to help me get in additional training for my apprenticeship and employment, I’m glad that I’ve received so many opportunities to support my progression. 

How much would you say you have benefitted from learning from industry-experienced tutors at Newcastle College?   

I believe that I’ve benefitted a lot from learning from industry-experienced tutors, because their precise knowledge honestly surpassed my expectations! For example, my tutors have all been extremely knowledgeable about everything to do with business administration, since they had spent years in industry completing the same practical activities that I’m carrying out now, both on campus and on the job! This kind of informed support has helped me develop through my apprenticeship, not just in terms of my understanding of business theory but in practical work as well, like gaining relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours.  

What do you enjoy the most about your apprenticeship?  

What I enjoy most about my apprenticeship is the ability to learn as I go. I work four out of five days per week and I don’t just learn on my days in College – I also learn a lot from my colleagues, managers and stakeholders in general while I’m working at WasteManaged. 

What has been the highlight of your time studying at Newcastle College?  

A highlight of my time studying at Newcastle College would have to be progressing to the Project Presentation stage of my apprenticeship. It’s been a major thinking and talking point for me, personally. I believe it’s impacted me quite considerably, because it showcases the skills I have built since the beginning of my apprenticeship as well as providing me with lots of relevant experience in the field of business. 

What are your ambitions after you finish your course and further into the future?  

After my apprenticeship, I look forward to gaining a full-time position at WasteManaged in Customer Services. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of studying an apprenticeship with Newcastle College?  

To anyone thinking about studying an apprenticeship with Newcastle College, I say – do it! Becoming an apprentice here has been the best decision in my life so far and I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

Describe your experience at Newcastle College in three words.  

Exciting. Enlightening. Memorable. 

What are your top tips for studying at Newcastle College? 

1. Don’t overwork yourself
2. Study hard 
3. Don’t forget to log your work on Smart Assessor 
4. Listen to your tutor 
5. Have fun!