With support from Cheshire College – South and West, the region’s largest provider of post-16 education, Dr Kieran Mullan MP has recently hired an Apprentice to work as an Administration Officer in his Constituency Office.
The College currently hosts over 1,000 Apprentices across 14 subject areas and has strong links with local businesses of all sizes and works with over 500 local, national, and international employers which offer a variety of Apprenticeship opportunities.
Dara Spencer, 21, began her 18-month Level 3 Business Admin Apprenticeship with the MP for Crewe and Nantwich in September and has been exceeding expectations since then.
Dara’s duties include managing MP Dr Kieran Mullan’s diary, generating social media content, organising the team’s schedules, and on occasion assisting with reported cases within the local community.
After initially moving to University, Dara decided that the structure and format didn’t suit her and decided to instead undertake an Apprenticeship to progress her career whilst learning and gaining real work experience.
Dara said: “I’ve really enjoyed coming to work and doing something different every day. I am glad I chose to seek an Apprenticeship as I enjoy having a job whilst learning and I think that it is a really productive route to become qualified with experience within the sector.”
“Despite the office Covid restrictions which were recently put in place in December 2021, the combination of working in the office and at home has remained a great experience, and I like the unpredictability of daily office life and the variety of tasks I am given.”
MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Dr Kieran Mullen, said: “Apprenticeships have such an important role as they are a fantastic way to tackle the skills shortage and learn whilst on the job. I’m delighted to have an Apprentice in my own office who supports my role as an MP and the general day-to-day running of the office.
“As well as helping the team and making great contributions, Dara is also gaining valuable skills in Business Administration which will create new opportunities and experiences for her in the future.”
Karen Roberts, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships & Employer Engagement at Cheshire College, said: “At Cheshire College we are extremely proud of our employer partnerships, and we are pleased that we are able to work with the local council to deliver such an amazing opportunity for our learner Dara.”
“Dara has been doing extremely well in her role as Business Administrator and should be very proud of her achievements. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to work so closely with an MP and council – I am sure she will achieve great things in the future.”
To find out more about becoming an Apprentice, join us at our Apprenticeship Open Evening, on Tuesday 8th February 2022, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, where you will be able meet with our staff, current apprentices and employer partners to gain an insight into what life is like at Cheshire College!
If you are an employer interested in benefitting from an Apprentice, email employers@ccsw.ac.uk or call the employer hotline on 01244 656499.