The challenges of job searching for one young man did not stop Jack Robinson from overcoming each and every obstacle before him. Despite applying for numerous vacancies, he received limited responses that he did not have the required experience or right qualifications. This resulted in low self esteem and a lack of confidence in himself and his perception of what the future held for him.

It was only when Ridley & Hall Solicitors gave Jack a rolling monthly contract that things changed. Jack says, “I was surprised at my successful completion of all tasks within the deadlines asked of me.”

Jack was later asked if he was prepared to undertake an apprenticeship at the National Business College, at which point he was unsure saying, “College life was an unknown for me and not something I felt confident about doing.”

Jack always thought his career would end up within the sports industry having come from a sporting background with both his parents; Dad as a professional footballer and Mum who played for the Yorkshire netball team.

Jack explains more about Business College, “I was unsure about working in an office environment as it wasn’t where I expected to go and it did present some minor setbacks and challenges. I was nervous to talk to anybody and didn’t think I fited in well with the situation that was in front of me. However, with the support, trust and confidence in my ability that I received from the National Business College, management staff and colleagues at Ridley & Hall I was made me feel very welcome and it gave me the confidence I have in myself today so that I continuously make an impact on the job role I hold as an administrator.

“I didn’t have the best qualifications from school, therefore I had to retake a Maths and English test. Although it sounded hard, I found it wasn’t as daunting as I expected! By the time the last exam came round, dare I say I was really looking forward to it. In the middle of both these exams I also had to take an Information Communication Technology exam which is included in the apprenticeship and complete a porfolio of coursework. After taking all these exams I am now proud to say I have passed everything and achieved my intermediate apprenticeship framework.”

Left to right; top – Managing Partner Adam Fletcher and Practice Manager Ruky Mahboob; bottom – National Business College’s Managing Director and Assessor Christine Hoyland congratulates Jack Robinson on passing his intermediate apprenticeship framework

Jack is now progressing to the advanced framework alongside mentoring Ridley & Hall’s second apprentice, Jessica Johnson, who joined us from the National Business College at the end of April. This is an ideal opportunity for Jack to share his learning to support and encourage Jess through her apprenticeship, having been there himself not too long ago.