Meet Northern Skills Apprenticeship Recruitment Manager, Nicole James.
“Working with Northern Skills is the first “real world” job I had, and I have developed my knowledge and skills with every role I’ve worked in and each position I have secured. I also love education and love to further my own education – I went to university and studied Psychology, during my time working I also studied my master’s in psychology – the subject itself is so transferable and I have found it helps me in my current role as Apprenticeship Recruitment Manager.
“I started work in this team 6 years ago. I had begun as a co-ordinator who dealt directly with potential apprenticeship candidates. After a year I was promoted to a consultant who supported in matching potential apprentices with businesses. In the last two years I have further been promoted first to a Team leader of the team and then to the Manager for the team. I initially took a temporary role as a receptionist for the business when the coordinator position arose, and I applied- this was the start of my career progression at Northern Skills.
“The college is a very supportive and rewarding place to work, I myself have progressed on 4 occasions in the last 6 years. They also celebrate you as staff and that in itself is a massive thing for a company of this size to commit to – but it makes their staff feel valued.
“I have two favourite things about my job. In my role as a consultant supporting students and potential apprentices into apprenticeships, I love helping people into their dream industry – I specifically work in engineering and I do feel apprenticeships in this industry are key to starting out and progressing so helping students find that apprenticeship that will eventually open doors to them is amazing. I also love managing the team – they are so enthusiastic about helping people and are always thriving for the best for the students- offering advice and guidance at every step.
“The highlight of my role must be the people within the team, they are supportive of students, one another and changes we go through. I enjoy managing them and support them with their own individual challenges and watching them progress through these challenges.
“In my spare time I love a walk around a new place, a DIY or crafty activity I saw on TikTok or Pinterest, causing a mess in the kitchen with a new recipe on Instagram Reels and spending time with the ones I love. I also looove to rewatch Game of Throne and House of Dragons when I need a couch day.
“Any students that want to find any more information about apprenticeship – the team is based in the Thrive Pod and always available during the college day to have a discussion around apprenticeships!”
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