Kaitlyn Hancock

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.  

I’m Kaitlyn, I’m 21 years old and I’m from Gateshead. After leaving school in 2020, I studied A Levels in Psychology, Sociology and English Literature, which I really enjoyed but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after studying these. I felt like university wasn’t the best option for me, so I worked in a retail job for two years before looking more into apprenticeships, which led me to my current role as a Business Administrator at Everything Managed as part of the Supply Chain Team. 

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 already know about Newcastle College when signing up because friends of mine attended the College after we left school. I knew they the College offered apprenticeship, so when I went looking for an apprenticeship they were one of the main learning providers I looked into. I found out online that I could sign up for an alert that would tell me if there were any apprenticeship vacancies on offer at the College, so that’s what I did and I haven’t looked back since.  

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

I chose to study at Newcastle College because I felt that all the staff I met when I attended my initial assessment day were lovely and welcoming. I really felt like I would receive great support from all the staff and teachers here.  

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

I chose to study at Newcastle College directly through their website. After my enquiry, I completed an assessment day, and then they eventually matched me with Everything Managed, who invited me to interview and offered me a job. 

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

Since starting my apprenticeship in October 2024, I’ve really enjoyed studying at Newcastle College. I attend College every Tuesday and I feel like everything I learn here allows me to improve on my performance in the workplace. 

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?  

The support I receive from my teachers and my Skills Trainer is excellent. I enjoy being able to discuss what I do within my role and to discuss what others in my class are doing in their own workplaces. My Skills Trainer visits me at my workplace every few weeks, which I feel is very helpful as it gives me a chance to discuss my recent learning in College and to talk about what I’ve been doing in my job since their last visit. The support Everything Managed have given me during my apprenticeship is incredible as I never feel like I’m on my own, and if I’m ever struggling with my tasks, I know that I can ask for help. I often have one-to-one meetings with my line manager about my progress and performance at work, which helps me to know what I’m doing well and what I can improve upon. 

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

I feel like learning from industry-experienced tutors has been extremely helpful to me, as they’ve been able to share their experiences and knowledge within the class and put the things we’re all learning in lessons into a practical example, based on things they’ve experienced in their past roles. 

What do you enjoy the most about your apprenticeship?  

I feel like my apprenticeship has benefitted me most by improving my confidence. Since the start of my apprenticeship, I feel that my confidence has grown massively and I feel much more comfortable now speaking to new people. I’ve even been able to improve on skills I didn’t think of before, namely IT skills since I work primarily on a computer. 

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

I enjoy being able to meet new people on my apprenticeship and being able to discuss my work and my role with peers in College and my colleagues at work. 

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

Once my apprenticeship course has been completed, I hope to receive a full-time job role on the Supply Chain Team at Everything Managed, because I’d like to continue to grow my career within the company moving forward. 

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

If anyone was thinking of studying an apprenticeship at Newcastle College, I would tell them to do it! It doesn’t matter what age you are or what skill level you are, there is an apprenticeship for everyone here. I didn’t go into an apprenticeship straight from leaving school, but I was able to do it when I was ready. This has really benefitted me in the long run, as now I feel ready to begin a career and I’ve received some excellent support in doing so. 

Describe your experience at Newcastle College in three words. 

Enjoyable. Informative. Rewarding 

What are your top five tips for studying at Newcastle College? 

1. Keep up to date with your college studies and employer jobs
2. Try your best at work 
3. Let your teachers know if you need support 
4. Always log your off-the-job hours 
5. Enjoy your time at College!