Event Coordination Apprentice Review

My apprenticeship at Fidelity International was within the Internal Events team. My Job title was Event Coordination Apprentice. Daily tasks included: * Working with a variety of venues and suppliers to organise events * Creating and distributing event invitations * Creating and monitoring surveys to capture responses * Purchasing and distributing Service Award gifts to employees * Diary management This involved working with a range of individuals both externally and internally. On a daily basis I would be in contact with the security department, the catering department, the corporate communications department and many other areas of the business. My main responsibilities were to assist with the organisation of the Board Meetings, the Christmas Party and the Service Awards. I also got involved with a number of extra projects including a TEDx event, an early careers dragon boat racing event and a charity open air cinema event.

Over my two year apprenticeship I have learnt a lot of skills! From working in an office I have developed my IT skills and diary management skills which have been crucial to my role. Through learning on the job I have developed my event planning and organisational skills. I completed a Business and Administration course with Bromley College which helped develop a range of skills from business regulations to event coordination. I also completed a 5 day event course in London with the Event Academy which taught me lots about event organising and marketing. This also helped me to improve my team working skills as we had to work on a project with a small team. Internally I have attended a variety of courses including SharePoint. During my apprenticeship I have also attending 6 apprentice training days which have helped develop skills in presenting, communication, navigating your career and more!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the two year apprenticeship programme I have completed with Fidelity International. I have taken part in a variety of projects which have been both enjoyable and valuable experience for my future. My team have been supporting and welcoming from the beginning. They have taken a major role in my development. Fidelity is a great company to work for. Everyone who works here is super friendly and helpful.

My manager has been supportive, encouraging and showed appreciation throughout my apprenticeship. Each year we are given the opportunity to get feedback from others within the company we have worked with and this is a lovely way to feel recognised for your teamwork and efforts. The Early Careers team held a graduation event at the end of the apprenticeship which definitely made me feel valued within the role!

The structure of the programme has been really organised. We started off with a 2 day induction to learn about Fidelity as an organisation and the apprenticeship programme. This also included some external Excel training to get us started. From that point I was encouraged to regularly catch up with the early careers manager. I was introduced to my college quickly after that and the structure was that the tutor would visit my office every couple of months to catch up. I found it easy to balance my workload and studying time by fitting this in when I was less busy within my role. Although Fidelity gave the opportunity to have a half day per week to focus on studying.

My tutor was quick to respond to emails and therefore easy to get support from. She attending my office regularly to offer guidance with the tasks I had been set. My tutor was always checking I was okay within my role and that I felt supported by my manager and those around me. On the whole I enjoyed my college work however I found some parts were not as relevant to my role as maybe another course would have been. However I have now moved roles within the company and appreciate the studying I did for my business and admin course as it has developed skills I now find more useful.

Over the two year programme I have received lots of support from a variety of different people within Fidelity. My manager has been extremely supportive and has helped be as accommodating as possible with my studying etc. She has also helped with extra training. The Early Careers (HR) team have been really supportive throughout. They are very approachable and always more than happy to help out with any issues or queries you may have.

Very well! Fidelity apprenticeship salaries are very good. They more than cover my living and travel costs (I do live at home and have a short commute though!). Fidelity also have great benefits which those on the apprenticeship scheme also benefit from. This includes a great pension, private healthcare, flu vaccinations, medical checks, onsite restaurant, onsite car wash service and onsite dry cleaning service. Plus a number of exclusive discounts for a variety of companies/products.

There are lots of opportunities outside of work and your role at Fidelity. There is a Fidelity choir and a exercise class which you can get involved with. There is the Christmas party which is a great company event! Staff are also encouraged to make use of their volunteering days and the corporate citizenship team often organise days where you can volunteer at a charity - these are great fun! There is great shower facilities for you to exercise before, at lunch or after work. On the apprenticeship scheme there is a Christmas social which gives you the opportunity to network with other apprentices and graduates.

Yes

Fidelity is a great company to work for and they run a good apprenticeship scheme. Everyone is super friendly, helpful and supportive. The experience and qualifications I have gained throughout my programme have been of great value to me and I definitely feel I have finished the course with developed skills and lots of experience! I have now become a permanent employee at Fidelity and am using my skills to help me in my new role!

Be open and honest on your CV and highlight your great points! Double, triple and quadruple check your CV and application for any mistakes. If you can, try and attend the Fidelity Insight Day for those considering applying for an apprenticeship. They are very useful and will give you a little insight into Fidelity before you apply. For your interview prepare as many answers as you can, practise answering these both on paper and out loud. This will also give you more confidence when in the interview. Be yourself, be friendly and smile! :)