Business Support Apprentice Review

In my department we provide a high level of support to sale coordinators, shipping departments and other operational teams. We receive many different tasks each day, this could be creating contracts, stock, site transfers etc. In this department you have a lot of responsibility, making sure you complete tasks to a high standard.

Since starting I have been able to develop my communication skills. In my department when sending emails we have to make sure they're well structured and clear. To work on this, I created a list showing what I need to include in my email. This was really helpful when I first started, as it guided me and ensured I was supporting these departments.

The apprenticeship programme has exceeded my expectations. I always wanted to learn on the job and working here whilst being able to learn about Art, Art history and how Christie's works behind the scenes is fascinating. I have learnt so much in the past number of months and developed my skills in so many areas. My team are very supportive, I was able to fit in comfortably with them when I first started.

My programme is very well structured and organised. I have a monthly call with my apprenticeship coach, a progress review and a masterclass every three months. I also take 20% off the job each week, I use this time to work on my apprenticeship tasks. My coach and manager really support me with my work and are always helping me improve in any area I wish to develop.

I recieve a lot of support from my employer. Christie's are always communicating with us, whether thats through weekly emails, all staff meetings or calls. I also have weekly calls with my line manager, here we talk about areas I want to work on, if I'm struggling with any tasks or processes I want to be trained more on.

I recieve a lot of support from my training provider, I know I could contact my coach at any point if I need help with an apprenticeship task. I am able to decide what objectives/skills I want to work on, my coach will then give me tasks in order to achieve this.

My training provider helps me perform better in my role because I make sure I set work that will then help me in my department and in my day to day tasks. Having monthly calls with my coach and setting certain goals, means I am able to reflective on things I have learnt and areas I wish to develop more in my role.

At Christie's they have many extra-curricular activities that you can get involved in. I recently signed up to Christie's education courses, which is avaliable to staff. I am able to learn about any subject in the art world, for example Art Law, Art Economics, Modern Art etc. Christie's hold many events that are avaliable to staff, such as virtual coffee mornings, so you can network and meet new people while being at home.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Christie's to a friend. You're able to get involved in so many different areas of the business, learn so much about the Art world and network with many different people. Christie's give you many opportunities and being an apprentice, learning on the job is an amazing way to experience working here.

Tips and advice I would give to others applying to Christie's is to make sure you show your willingness to learn. You will need to show how you can balance training, learning about your department and also completing apprenticeship tasks. Advice I would give to you is try and gain as much work experience as you can.