Mental Health

This month was World Mental Health Day and it really got me thinking about how much my mental health has improved. So how can taking an apprenticeship benefit your mental health?

Here’s how mine has helped me:

• Routine and Purpose

  My apprenticeship gave structure to my days. Having somewhere to be and goals to work towards made a huge difference to my mindset.

• Healthy Habits
  With a set routine, I started eating breakfast again, whether at home or at my desk, and I felt more energised to take on the day.
• Independence and Freedom
  Earning my own money gave me confidence and helped me grow. I was even able to move out at 18, which gave me space, responsibility, and a real sense of independence.
• Supportive People
  I made friends through work and joined a team that supported me every step of the way. Having people who believed in me really boosted my confidence.
• Skills and Achievement
  I developed new skills I’m proud of and reached some incredible milestones, such as joining the East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, becoming part of the Association of Apprentices, receiving awards, and being named a Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards finalist.

My apprenticeship didn’t just build my career, it helped me build myself. Apprenticeships keep your brain stimulated, push you to improve, and provide purpose.

Portfolio

As I mentioned, I have now submitted my portfolio and project scope. It was amazing to look back at everything I’ve achieved over the past year and four months, but organising it all was definitely a challenge.

So here are my Top 5 Tips & Tricks:

• Stick to your formatting

1. What you did (the task)

2. Why you did it (strategic reasoning)

3. What impact it had (value created)

4. How you’d improve it next time (growth mindset)

• Set deadlines and link evidence first
  Plan your KSB links before writing, as it saves time later.

• Check your KSBs (knowledge, skills and behaviours) 
  I thought I was done until I reviewed my KSB mapping and realised I had missed a few and had to add them in, so make sure you double check your plan.

• Make it look presentable
  I made my fonts consistent to help examiners read it clearly. I also used OpenDyslexic font for accessibility.

• Focus on the content more than the design
  I spent too long decorating slides and ended up removing a lot of the design to improve clarity.

Personal Check-In

I’m doing so much better mentally since moving out. Getting to work is easier, and my fiancé has now moved in with me. We’ve got our routines, we eat healthier, and it feels amazing to live with your best friend (also great to be living with a brilliant cook).

Working from home is smoother now too, as I have fewer distractions and I finally have my own desk setup with monitors; I’m even starting the gym now!

Looking Ahead

I’m currently researching Level 4 apprenticeships, leaning towards photography or videography since photography is one of my passions and I already have a Level 3 qualification. It would be amazing to grow this skill for our business and support the team.

I also love marketing so specialising in creative media within that field would be a great next step.

See you in the next one, where I’ll be talking about the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards!