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Royal triumph – the success story of four apprentices

Auckland Castle and Bishop Auckland College have jointly launched an apprenticeship academy, which has already seen four apprentices join its rapidly expanding workforce.

This scheme has allowed these apprentices to achieve their ambitions and earn valuable skills without the financial burden of university.

Read more about these successful apprentices below. 

Rebecca Elliot – apprentice business administrator

  • Aged 17, from Binchester, near Bishop Auckland
  • Studied AS in media, film, and law at Durham Sixth Form Centre
  • Working in the Castle’s finance department

‘I am benefitting from working in a supportive team which has increased my confidence. In future, I am hoping to go on to achieve the AAT Accounting Qualification once I complete my apprenticeship, as my ambition is to become a fully qualified accountant.

'I would strongly recommend an apprenticeship. I am learning and progressing in my role, have a good work/life balance and feel a lot more secure than if I had chosen to go to university with the financial burden it brings.’

Jamie Bamsey – apprentice chef

  • Aged 20, from Newton Aycliffe
  • Has aspirations to be a chef and study for a degree in culinary arts and management at Teesside University

‘With the degree course I want to do I think they look more favourably on those who have been through an apprenticeship and have that practical experience.

‘Luke is training me to the required industry catering standards, and I think you learn more than you would at college and have more skill and confidence in your own ability.’

Perrie Athey – apprentice business administrator

  • Aged 17, from Ferryhill
  • Part of the Castle’s growing Visitor Services Team, which helps run holiday events, meeting and greeting the public
  • Former Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College student

'I was always more hands-on when I was at school and didn’t really enjoy classroom learning. I knew college wouldn’t be for me and I wanted to do something where I could gain experience.

‘So after my GCSEs I decided to go for an apprenticeship instead. I am really enjoying it. I would love to be offered a full-time job at the Castle, but if not I am confident I will have the skills to go on and get a good permanent job somewhere else.’

Alicia Simpson – apprentice business administrator

  • Aged 19, from Bishop Auckland
  • Working towards her Level 2 apprentice qualification

'I feel you are better equipped to get a job if you’ve had that experience. I think your people and customer service skills are much better, and you are more confident and able to use your own initiative.

‘I want to gain both my Level 3 and 4 qualifications, and if I am offered a permanent job at Auckland Castle I would love to stay on. If not, then I know I will have the skills to get something similar elsewhere.

‘It’s a different way of learning. I’m not being talked at in a classroom; here I get to learn in the workplace and have gained experiences and skills I would never have got otherwise.’