Day in the Life

A Day in the Life: Apprenticeship Trainer 

Guest Blog by Emily Parkes, Training & Apprenticeship Consultant at The Best Connection 

‘Hi! I’m Emily Parkes, a Training and Apprenticeship Consultant at The Best Connection, and for National Apprenticeship Week, I wanted to share what my role looks like day to day and why I’m so passionate about helping people succeed through apprenticeships. 

I support a caseload of learners working towards the Recruiter Level 3 apprenticeship standard, guiding them from induction all the way through to completion. My role is all about helping apprentices build skills, grow in confidence, and develop into exceptional recruitment professionals. 

How I Got Into Apprenticeship Training 

I joined The Best Connection in July 2024, and honestly, the time has flown by. I welcomed my first apprentices in September 2024, and that’s when my journey as an apprenticeship trainer really began. 

Apprenticeships have always been important to me, because I completed one myself when I was 17. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the best experience due to a lack of support. That stayed with me, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I do what I do today. I wanted to help create a better experience for other learners, one where they feel supported, encouraged, and genuinely proud of what they achieve. 

What Does an Apprenticeship Trainer Do? 

My days are varied, which is something I love about the role. I usually start with a coffee (needs must!) and a quick catch-up with my team. Then I check my diary and get organised for the day ahead. 

From there, it can involve a mix of activities such as: 

• Marking knowledge questions and written work 

• Progress reviews with apprentices and their managers 

• Delivering support sessions and feedback 

• Reviewing Off-the-Job hours and training plan progress 

• Supporting apprentices with EPA preparation, CPD and next steps 

One of my favourite parts of the job is delivering professional discussions. I love seeing apprentices go from feeling unsure to speaking confidently about what they do and how they’re developing. 

Some days I’ll also visit branches to observe apprentices in action or spend time with teams to understand recruitment processes in more depth. It keeps the role interesting and helps me support learners in a way that’s relevant to their day-to-day work. 

Helping Apprentices Balance Work and Learning 

One of the most common things apprentices mention is finding a balance, especially when they’re settling into the programme alongside a busy branch role. That’s completely normal, and we do a lot to make that easier. 

We support apprentices by giving them clear deadlines, plenty of notice, and a training plan they can refer to so nothing ever feels like a surprise. We’re also flexible. If something needs adjusting, we can adapt sessions or extend deadlines where needed, as long as it doesn’t slow overall progress. 

We also encourage apprentices to build strong habits like: 

• Keeping their diary up to date 

• Planning Off-the-Job hours properly 

• Setting reminders to stay organised 

Communication with managers is key too. We work closely with branch managers to make sure apprentices are being given the time and support they need to complete their work properly. 

Why Employer Support Matters 

Even with great training and guidance, apprentices need the right environment in branch to put their learning into practice. 

A great apprenticeship environment is one where apprentices feel: 

• Supported 

• Challenged 

• Valued 

Clear expectations, regular feedback and good communication make a huge difference. When apprentices feel encouraged, they stay motivated and progress more confidently. 

What I Enjoy Most About My Role 

The best part of being an apprenticeship trainer is meeting new people and watching them grow throughout their journey. 

For me, it’s not just about achieving the qualification. It’s about helping apprentices believe in themselves, develop real skills, and realise what they’re capable of. Seeing an apprentice complete their programme is a proud moment every time, and it’s a huge reminder of why apprenticeships matter. 

It’s also amazing to watch someone go from feeling nervous or unsure at the beginning, to producing strong written projects and speaking clearly in professional discussions. Their communication becomes more structured, their written work becomes more detailed, and they get much better at explaining what they do in branch. 

Seeing that shift from “I’m not sure I can do this” to “I know exactly what I’m talking about” is honestly one of the best parts of my job. 

My Advice for Anyone Considering an Apprenticeship 

If you’re thinking about doing an apprenticeship, my advice is simple: go for it. 

It’s one of the best ways to learn, earn and grow at the same time. You gain real experience from day one, build confidence, and apply what you learn straight into your job. 

Be open-minded, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how you learn. Use the support around you, stay organised, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. 

An apprenticeship can open doors you never expected!’ 

Next Steps

For more information about what it’s like to work with us, head to our Why Choose Us page or our Apprenticeship Hub.  

Interested in joining our team? Click here to explore current roles.