WORK YOUR WAY: Balancing work and study at DSW
School leavers, graduates, and experienced professionals. Anyone can be an apprentice. The perfect way to launch your career if you don’t already have the necessary qualifications, you can start an apprenticeship alongside garnering practical experience.
At Dow Schofield Watts, we currently have apprentices in the Business Recovery, Business Services, and Marketing departments. We have been employing apprentices for around 5 years and as a business, are dedicated to fostering new learning in young people.
We are ensuring that the traditional ‘one-size-fits-all’ career journey (whereby all are degree-educated) is not a barrier to joining DSW, and instead, alternative methods to gaining experience are encouraged. From school and college leavers to degree-educated individuals looking for a career change.
Below is a Q&A with our Daresbury office apprentices about their roles.
Amy – Business Recovery
What area is your apprenticeship in?
I am a Level 3 Business Administrator. I work for the Business Recovery department. My job role is varied and includes answering the phone, sending letters out, writing cheques, and filing. I also get involved in bits of casework to help the team out. This may include drafting letters, emailing creditors for information, or liaising with HMRC.
What is it like to work and study?
My apprenticeship allows me to have a good work/ study balance. I can complete my college work whenever I need to, and I am able to fit it around work commitments or deadlines.
I not only receive support from my college but also from my whole team. Everyone I work with is always willing to help by answering any questions I may have, reviewing my work, or sitting down with me to go over what I need help with. This applies to both my studies and my work for Business Recovery.
What are your future aspirations?
Throughout my apprenticeship, I would like to develop my skill set and learn more about Business Recovery and the role of a case administrator.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy going out for dinner with family and friends and going for long walks.
Chloe – Professional Services
What area is your apprenticeship in?
I am a Level 3 Business Administrator at the Daresbury office. My role includes helping with general office administration such as answering the phone, booking meetings, filing, working closely with colleagues across all departments, and liaising externally with clients and suppliers. I ensure I follow the DSW values and brand when representing the company to internal and external parties.
What is it like to work and study?
While I do find studying challenging, I get a lot of support from my college and manager. I have a good work/study balance, which is encouraged by DSW and my manager, through making sure I schedule any commitments for study in advance.
What are your future aspirations?
I am looking forward to completing my qualification and to continue developing the skills learnt throughout my apprenticeship that will help benefit me in the future.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I’m not working, I like to socialise with friends by trying new restaurants and attending live music.
Rachel – Marketing
What area is your apprenticeship in?
I am currently undertaking a Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship with Baltic Apprenticeship. My role revolves around anything digital, and I take responsibility for all DSW social media channels along with Pandea and PHD Industrial Holdings. I also write articles for the DSW website and create content that is shared on both our website and across our social media accounts.
What is it like to work and study?
As I have already completed my degree, I have previous experience with juggling being a student and working so it wasn’t as much of a culture shock. However, to keep up with the constant demands and changing nature of the role (immediate news or social posts), I diarise and schedule as much as I can in advance, so I don’t get overwhelmed. It helps massively that my manager Katie is extremely supportive and always there to guide me. We are in constant communication which helps me with my workload while studying towards my qualification.
What are your future aspirations?
Once finished with my apprenticeship, I wish to continue studying towards a further qualification in Marketing. With this, I am looking toward specialising in Search Engine Optimisation with an emphasis on Coding. Furthering this, I would like to continue progressing in my role from Apprentice to Executive or Manager.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my downtime, I practise Brazilian Jujitsu, both Gi and Nogi. I also enjoy literature, hiking, and baking. I feel that it is extremely important to have that balance between work and personal life and have things that bring enjoyment and fulfilment to your life.
Thank you all for participating and sharing your insightful answers! We are excited to see how you develop and grow!
If you would like to apply for an apprenticeship opportunity within any of our teams or locations, please email [email protected]