Monday's apprentice: John Stanton
Age:20
Job title: Regeneration and housing directorate support apprentice
Department: Regeneration and Housing
How long have you been on your apprenticeship?
16 months
What made you decide to apply to become an apprentice and why at Ealing specifically?
I wanted to do something different. I had decided against university very early on and wasn’t sure where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. A friend of mine told me about the programme, and looking at the areas available, I decided this could be a great way to find a career.
What were you doing before you began the apprenticeship?
I came out of sixth form in the summer with no real plan. I was working for an events/hospitality company for a few months working at places like the Savoy, Dorchester, Wembley Stadium and Craven Cottage.
What is your career goal?
I’m still not sure where my career lies. I’ve always been interested in joining the police and I hope that steering in that sort of direction and constantly gaining further knowledge through qualifications will help me find the career for me.
What has been your biggest accomplishment since you started your apprenticeship?
I would probably say the amount I’ve grown as an apprentice and a person in the last year - I’m seen as a reliable and valuable team member by the directors.
Why should other young people apply for an apprenticeship at Ealing Council?
Everything is about experience these days. All employers are looking for experienced and capable employees and I think this scheme gives you the experience and knowledge you need to conduct yourself in the workplace.
It has helped me find my confidence and strengths in a work environment and has given me a better idea of what sort of path I want to take with my career. The qualification can also give you that push to further your knowledge and is tailored to your role so is always relevant to your tasks.
Its more than a job, it's a learning path and stepping stone which you really need to make the most of. Make sure the role is something that you have an interest in.
Do you have another job or a hobby that you do outside of your apprenticeship?
I do a lot of voluntary youth work in scouting and outdoor sports outside of work. I’m also trying to build up my qualifications as a climbing/high wire tree top adventure instructor.
Who do you aspire to be like and why?
I would choose my dad. He had a good idea of what he wanted to do in his career and worked out his way to get it. Even when he had a setback he was able to push forward in a slightly different direction and excel into a senior position. He knew what he wanted and went for it.