Natalie Cadavid: My Apprenticeship Was an Accident with the Best Outcome

Natalie Cadavid is an apprentice at MiddletonMurray. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we asked Natalie why she chose an apprenticeship in recruitment, and why she loves it so much.

What interested you in an apprenticeship?

It was an accident, but it had the best outcome. I got an email from MiddletonMurray about their six-week training programme and I thought “I’d give it a go.” I went to the open day and I wasn’t dressed for the occasion at all – I didn’t realise it was a formal affair, so it was a bit awkward. Once I filled out the application, I was asked to do an interview that day – I didn’t feel ready, but I got into it and came out with the job. Eight months later, I’m having the time of my life.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

I enjoy the fact I get to interact with young adults. I know that can be a really confusing stage in life, particularly the change from secondary school into further education – some friends are telling you one thing and other friends are telling you another, and you have no clue whatsoever. Personally, when I left school, I didn’t have a clue about apprenticeships. I thought they were about hair and beauty and mechanics, but you can do one in so many industries. I now realise that given the age group of the people I work with, I can offer another route and it’s a fantastic route as well.

What’s been your biggest learning lesson?

It has helped my confidence a lot. I’ve never been one to do presentations in front of a lot of people, so my manager said “I’ll let you off once, maybe twice, but after I’m throwing you in the deep end.” It has helped me a lot – I can do presentations, talk at schools and career fairs. I’ve learned how to develop my patience because you need that when you’re working with young adults.

What would you tell someone just starting their recruitment apprenticeship?

Take the challenge and the risk because it can be really scary sometimes. The best thing to do is not be daunted by speaking to lots of people and just get on with it. The result will be a lot better than you expected.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Still in learning recruitment. If you help someone at 16, by 21 they could have such a great salary and job prospects and so many skills that an average 21 year old wouldn’t have.

Find out more about recruitment apprenticeships here.

Why do you love your recruitment apprenticeship? Fill in your speech bubble, take a photo and tweet us your reason using #NAW2017 - we want to shout about your great work and celebrate you!

National Apprenticeship Week is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.