Maria is the Innovation Officer (Contracts) with KIE, and we asked her to tell us a bit more about her experience with the apprenticeship:
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am the contracts officer in Kent Innovation and Enterprise and have been doing this role for 2 years; however, I have worked in KIE for just over 6 years. I progressed from the clerical assistant to the contracts assistant to my current role.
I love the university environment and I enjoy the variety or tasks and people my role involves. It is satisfying to get a complicated or lengthy contract signed off and for the project to actually start.
What made you want to start an apprenticeship?
I wanted to further myself and with a family and full time job, which I already enjoy, an apprenticeship was the best way to do this.
Which apprenticeship are you doing, and who is supporting you at Kent?
I am doing the Paralegal Apprenticeship through CILEX and my manager Lucy Druesne has been able to support my application and be my mentor during the apprenticeship.
How is the apprenticeship helping you?
I have just completed the introduction to law unit and start on the contract law unit in the next few weeks. Having an in-depth knowledge of law and contracts and being able to independently push forward on legal aspects should really improve the capacity and pace of my role.
What is it like doing an apprenticeship?
It is hard work but manageable. I get the equivalent of 1 day of studying per week, which includes attending an online webinar. I manage this around my work commitments so rarely take a whole day in one go, but it is flexible, which suits me.
Would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?
I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route to anyone wanting to further themselves but feel that a more traditional route of studying is too daunting or time consuming on top of a family life or full time job. It is also great if you already enjoy your role and want to be able to take it to the next level.
Loretta Izod is your Employee Apprenticeship Manager
T: 01227 8 16568 E: l.j.izod@kent.ac.uk
Loretta specialises in supporting employees who want to understand how their careers can benefit from undertaking an Apprenticeship.
Use the contact details to get in touch with Loretta to arrange one to one advice, or set up a team meeting for further information and discussion.