Meet the Apprentice: Jasmine Joynt from Co-op Insurance

In July 2018, the RateMyApprenticeship Awards recognised Outstanding Apprentices across the UK who are making a difference.

Here we introduce Jasmine Joynt, a Customer Service Practitioner Apprentice for Co-op Insurance. Keep reading to find out what it takes to be an apprentice, and why more young people should consider it a valid alternative to university…

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Jasmine Joynt: An apprentice case study

Name: Jasmine Joynt

Age: 17

Location: Manchester 

Job title: Customer Service Practitioner Apprentice

Company: Co-op Insurance

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Hi Jasmine, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I went to the Co-op Academy Manchester where I pursued my passion for music – this led me to play the flute and saxophone in numerous concerts.

In my spare time, I relax with friends and play XBOX. Being local to Manchester, community is important to me and I’ve volunteered as a youth worker for the last 7 years.

This involves helping to organise large events and attending key committee meetings to help shape our plans.

I joined Co-op Insurance as a Customer Service Advisor through the apprentice pipeline. I regularly attend events that promote apprenticeships in order to share my enthusiasm.

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And why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I chose to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to challenge myself in a way the academic route couldn’t. Through the apprenticeship I’m able to earn money and gain real-life work experience, while working towards a nationally recognised qualification in customer service.

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Did you always know you wanted to do an apprenticeship? 

No! I had enrolled for my favourite college and been accepted. But then I had a change of heart in April / May when the Co-op came into my school and told me about the opportunity they were offering.

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What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

My job is to take inbound calls when customers require information on Motor Insurance policies, ensuring that I adhere to all the rules of the regulators.

I enjoy building a rapport with the customers and providing them with everything they need to make a decision. I show patience and understanding when customers find it difficult to hear or communicate.

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What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is being able to interact with a diverse group of people – making each day new and exciting! I also enjoy the networking events as I can share my ambitions with people both across the business and further afield.

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Who supported you the most when applying for your apprenticeship?

I spoke with my career advisor at school and they took me through filling in my first ever job application. They also briefed me on what to expect when entering the world of work!

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Do you have any tips for students considering an apprenticeship?

I would say do what’s right for you and don’t be afraid to speak up! You should research all the options available to you. If possible, find time to speak to your careers advisor and other apprentices before making your decision.

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How does it feel to be voted one of RateMyApprenticeship’s Outstanding Apprentices for 2018?

It still feels unreal! It’s amazing that the Co-op have recognised my proactive attitude throughout my first year by putting me forward for the RateMyApprenticeship’s Outstanding Apprentice award.

I am so happy that I made the decision to follow the apprenticeship route as it has given me so many invaluable opportunities and experience.

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Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

I hope to see myself still working at the Co-op; contributing to the success of their apprenticeship programmes and working on other projects for young people!

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Just for fun: what did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to teach music to disabled children.

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