Lucy Dean left Tollbar Academy, in Grimsby, with 13 A*-C GCSE’s and went onto study the International Baccalaureate, the equivalent of 4 A-Levels, which involved her studying 6 areas (English, Business and Management, Biology, Visual Arts, Spanish and Maths). With such fantastic achievements it is no surprise that she successfully secured all offers from various Universities. However, when the time came to choose which University place she wanted to accept, Lucy turned them all down in favour of an Apprenticeship.

“I wanted to start work instead of going to University and felt that an Apprenticeship would also allow me to gain qualifications at the same time”

After searching for Apprenticeship positions on the National Apprenticeship Service website, Lucy came across a placement with Roy Foreman & Co Solicitors through Hull Business Training Centre and NE Lincolnshire’s Change Works Programme. Lucy applied for it online and within a few days was interviewed by Hull Business Training Centre and her CV was sent to Roy Foreman & Co with no hesitation. A week later Lucy attended an interview at Roy Foreman & Co and blew them away! By the time Lucy had returned home she had a missed call from Petrina Burgess-Foreman, who had interviewed her, to offer her the job.

“Lucy explained that she wanted to work in a team in a successful business and more importantly that she wanted to be here for the long haul and progress within the firm. She spoke very nicely and her telephone manner was excellent. On leaving I told her that her Mother should be very proud of her.

As she left our office I told all the girls no one could impress me more and that there was no point in looking any further. She was the whole package and definitely what I wanted in our new Admin team.

Since starting Lucy has proved me 100% correct in my judgement. She is always punctual, she comes to work looking beautiful every day. She is pleasant, always has a smile, never says no and asks questions all the time on how to improve.”

Now, a month into her Intermediate Apprenticeship in Business and Administration, Lucy has settled into Roy Foreman & Co extremely well. A typical day for Lucy includes audio-typing, sending out general letters to confirm events in court and data inputting regarding the work on court files. She works on the front desk where she also greets clients, takes telephone calls and assists with other general office duties.

“So far the Apprenticeship has helped me to learn about taking notes when I am on the telephone, presenting yourself correctly in the workplace and about representing the company you work for. I hope to continue progressing with Roy Foreman & Co and go on to complete my Advanced Apprenticeship.”

Lucy is a great example of how hard work and determination can secure you a fantastic future in whatever path you may chose.

“I would recommend an Apprenticeship to anyone. Doing an Apprenticeship means you can work, gain qualifications without getting into debt and progress within a company.”

If you are interested in doing an Apprenticeship in Business Administration, Customer Service or IT and are aged 16-18 please call Mike on 01482 211714 or e-mail mike@hullbusiness.co.uk.