University of Law

Nicola Lehmann – Business Admin Apprentice

“The training I received from Damar was incredibly helpful. I especially liked the way Damar handled the sudden change to remote working and how they can support us as students.” 

BUSINESS ADMIN APPRENTICE | UNIVERSITY OF LAW

This case study features Nicola Lehmann, Business Admin Apprentice at the University of Law.

What is your job title?

My title during my apprenticeship was Central Employability Administrative Assistant. Due to a job opening within the department, I was successful in my application and I am now Central Employability Service Assistant with the Employability Team at The University of Law.

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

Whilst completing my A-Levels, I was weighing up my options of either going to university or doing an apprenticeship. For me, I much preferred the idea of being able to learn valuable skills and gain the key experience on the job, all whilst working towards a qualification. 

What sort of activities did you do in your role whilst you were on the apprenticeship? 

  • I managed resources and systems regularly used by both staff and students to ensure a smooth user experience on our platforms.
  • I helped contribute towards implementing a new folder structure and general reorganisation of our online resources hub, working with a variety of stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines.
  • I produced monthly reports using excel for the Director of Employability which were then distributed to the wider team.
  • I managed our online workshops, producing guides to support staff and was the main point of contact for any queries.  

What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship?

I have enjoyed working with highly skilled members of my team and learning from their expertise. My apprenticeship has also allowed me to take the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours I have learnt on the programme into practice in a working environment.

How was your training with Damar?

The training I received from Damar was incredibly helpful. The use of OneFile to show me what tasks I had completed and what I still had outstanding was really clear to understand. I especially liked the way Damar handled the sudden change to remote working and how they can support us as students. The roll out of the Working Differently programme worked really well for me in terms of doing the pre-work and main learning prior to a group webinar discussing the topic.

What do you think your biggest achievement has been as an apprentice?

Being able to manage the demands of both a job and an apprenticeship, and overall completing the programme with a distinction, as well as conducting my assessments remotely and delivering them to the best of my ability.

What do you think you have contributed to your organisation during your apprenticeship?

During my apprenticeship, I contributed to the organisation by channelling the skills and behaviours I have learnt and putting them into practice. For example, my skills on time management and organisation aided me in working on a project to improve the navigation and overall user experience of one of our platforms. This helped to support both our staff and students, and therefore benefitted the organisation.

What are your career plans now you’ve finished your apprenticeship?

Further progression within the organisation and Employability Service.