Meet Fizza Mumtaz, a 24-year-old Level 3 Business Administrator apprentice who is keen to apply her skill set at Bradford District Credit Union. She has earned high praise from her manager for her excellent work in marketing, credit underwriting, and customer service. Fizza’s story shows us how Bradford College’s apprenticeship programme helps students gain the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
When asked why she chose an apprenticeship, she explained, “I didn’t want to spend four or five years chasing a university degree. I wanted to get to work as soon as possible whilst learning.”
Fizza’s path to becoming an apprentice started when she subscribed to Bradford College’s apprenticeship mailing list early last year, which kept her informed about the latest apprenticeship vacancies. It was through these updates that she learned about a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship opening at Bradford District Credit Union.
I didn’t want to spend four or five years chasing a university degree. I wanted to get to work as soon as possible.
Seizing the opportunity, Fizza submitted her application. The employer, impressed by her potential, arranged an interview. Fizza’s dedication and enthusiasm shone through during the interview process, and she successfully secured the apprenticeship position.
A Varied Role
Fizza’s apprenticeship at Bradford District Credit Union is proving to be a diverse experience. She manages the company’s website and social media pages, creating content and running campaigns. About her experience so far, she said: “It was a bit daunting at first, but with support and training, I’m gaining confidence.”
Bradford College’s Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship is designed to equip Fizza with a wide range of skills and knowledge essential for supporting her employer. The apprenticeship focuses on adding value and contributing to the efficiency of an organisation by working across different teams and resolving issues as needed.
Through a blended delivery model, Fizza receives on-the-job training from an assessor, with optional study days available at the College. This flexible approach allows her to develop a diverse skill set while being responsive to the needs of the Credit Union and its customers.
Fizza is also learning about credit underwriting, which is a way of assessing customer loan applications. This experience is giving her a deeper understanding of financial services and responsible lending. “Learning about credit underwriting is eye-opening,” she added.
In addition to her financial responsibilities, Fizza utilises her multilingual abilities to assist non-native English speaking customers, ensuring language barriers don’t hinder their access to financial services. “Being able to help customers in their preferred language is incredibly rewarding,” Fizza says.
Gaining Transferable Skills
Over the course of her apprenticeship, Fizza is acquiring valuable skills that will serve her well in her career.
Fizza reflects on the personal growth she has experienced: “My apprenticeship is teaching me that if I want to grow and learn new things, I have to step out of my comfort zone.” This experience is helping her become more adaptable and willing to learn, as she takes on new challenges and expands her knowledge.
She is developing strong communication and problem-solving abilities, learning to share information effectively and find solutions to challenges. Time management and organization are also crucial skills Fizza is mastering, enabling her to tackle multiple responsibilities and deadlines. These transferable skills will be invaluable assets as Fizza progresses in her career.
When you take on an apprentice, they are teachable and willing to learn. It’s not just about what they can do for us, but also about how we can support their growth and development.
Ian Brewer, Community Development Lead, Bradford District Credit Union
As a community-focused organization, Bradford District Credit Union recognizes the importance of investing in the people who make up its community. This investment takes many forms, but one of the most significant is through the Credit Union’s long-standing apprenticeship opportunities.
For Ian and his team, employing apprentices is not just about filling positions; it’s about nurturing and developing local talent. They understand that apprentices bring a unique perspective and a willingness to learn, which can be invaluable assets to any organization.
Bradford, the UK’s youngest city, is brimming with potential. However, Ian recognizes that many young people may feel unsure about their career paths. He is quick to dismiss the myth that apprenticeships are not a viable option.
Drawing from his own experience, Ian said, “At the age of 17, I became an apprentice. I started out as a plumbing and heating apprentice before I went into something else. So, I know from my point of view that it’s a viable option. And Bradford, with its young demographic, presents opportunities for anyone who is at least 16 years old to pursue an apprenticeship.”
Recognizing the diverse opportunities in the region, the Credit Union and Bradford College has forged a strong partnership over the years. By working closely with the college, the Credit Union is able to identify and nurture promising young talents who can contribute to the organization’s growth and success. This collaboration enables the credit union to access a wide range of skill sets and backgrounds, reflecting the diverse nature of the community it serves.
Through Bradford College’s partnerships with local businesses, apprentices like Fizza are able to gain practical skills, build their confidence, and lay the foundation for a successful career. At the same time, various businesses benefit from a steady stream of talented, dedicated employees.
Start Your Apprenticeship Journey Today
If you’re inspired by this case study and ready to take the first step towards your career, we invite you to visit us at our Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair or explore our dedicated apprenticeship page to learn more about the programmes we offer and find the perfect path for you.
