What does starting your career at 18 look like?
For Connie Evans, it means stepping into the world of work, gaining hands-on experience and working towards a qualification, all while beginning to build a career in an industry where she can make a difference.
At just 18, Connie has recently joined Salutem as our new Data Protection Apprentice and is the first colleague to feature in our new Starting your career with Salutem series.
There are so many different routes into a career, and at Salutem, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to learn, develop and grow with us. Through this series, we’ll be shining a spotlight on some of the brilliant young people across our organisation and sharing their experiences of taking those important first steps into the world of work.
To kick off the series, we caught up with Connie to find out why she chose an apprenticeship, what attracted her to Salutem and where she hopes the experience will take her.
Why an apprenticeship?
For Connie, an apprenticeship offered the opportunity to combine learning with real-world experience from the very beginning.
“I knew an apprenticeship was the right path for me because I would be gaining experience in a working environment while working towards a qualification. It gives me the opportunity to put what I’m learning into practice straight away, while building my confidence and skills alongside my colleagues.”
Rather than choosing between gaining a qualification and entering the workplace, an apprenticeship allows Connie to do both, developing her knowledge while experiencing the day-to-day responsibilities of her role.
Why Salutem?
Starting a career is not only about choosing a role. Finding an organisation whose values align with your own can be just as important.
For Connie, Salutem’s purpose and the opportunity to begin her career within a meaningful industry stood out.
“I chose Salutem because of its values as an organisation and the positive difference it makes to people’s lives. Knowing I could be part of making that difference while starting my career in such a meaningful industry really appealed to me.”
In her role within Data Protection, Connie will also have the opportunity to build her knowledge of social care while developing specialist skills and experience.
Building confidence, skills and experience
Although Connie is only at the beginning of her apprenticeship, she already has clear goals for what she would like to achieve.
I’m hoping to gain a greater understanding of social care and achieve a qualification in Data Protection. I’d also like to build my confidence, develop my existing skills and learn new ones that will help me progress in my career.”
And she is already thinking about where those new skills could take her.
“In the future, I hope to grow my career at Salutem and continue learning more about the Quality division and other areas of the organisation.”
Connie’s advice to other young people
Taking that first step into the world of work can feel daunting, particularly when there are so many different options to consider.
For other young people thinking about whether an apprenticeship could be right for them, Connie’s advice is to consider the experience and opportunities that come alongside the qualification.
“An apprenticeship is a great route to gain a qualification and valuable work experience at the same time. It gives you the opportunity to build your confidence and develop your skills in a working environment, surrounded by a supportive team.”
Just two weeks into her apprenticeship, Connie has already had the opportunity to complete a thorough induction, meet colleagues from across the organisation and start developing a greater understanding of both her department and her role.
“My experience so far has been really positive. I’ve had great support from my line manager and have met so many key people, which has helped me gain a much better understanding of the department and my role.”
Starting your career with Salutem
Connie’s journey is just one example of the many different ways a career can begin.
Whether through an apprenticeship, graduate opportunity or another route into the world of work, we want young people joining Salutem to have the opportunity to develop their skills, build their confidence and discover where their career could take them.
Over the coming months, our Starting your career with Salutem series will introduce more young people from across the organisation, sharing their experiences, ambitions and advice for others considering their next step.
For now, we’re delighted to welcome Connie to Salutem and can’t wait to see where her apprenticeship takes her.
Welcome to Salutem, Connie! 💙
