Meet Thomas Peacock, Recruitment Consultant at Middlesbrough College.
Every career has a starting point – and for Thomas, it began with an apprenticeship!
As a Business Administration Level 2 and 3 apprentice within Middlesbrough College’s Recruitment team, Thomas learned by doing, gaining real-world experience from day one and developing essential workplace skills for his career.
However, Thomas’ apprenticeship didn’t just give him the confidence to enter the world of work – it also opened the door to employment, seeing him secure a permanent role at Middlesbrough College as a Recruitment Consultant in the team where it all started.
Today, Thomas supports learners into industry, helping as many students as possible secure apprenticeship vacancies. He also works with employers across the North East, matching them with the right apprentices to meet their business needs.
Thomas said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn while doing. I thoroughly enjoyed mine, and I wouldn’t have the job I have today if it wasn’t for my apprenticeship.
“My apprenticeship gave me skills that I still use to this day. I learned everything from how to work in an office environment and communicate to different types of people to how to navigate different software and CRM systems that I use daily in my role now.
“I really enjoyed getting into work – it was great to learn by doing, rather than being taught in classroom. I gained confidence in communicating with different types of people, whether it’s learners or employers, and developed practical skills that continue to help me throughout my career.”
Once an apprentice himself, Thomas now mentors apprentices along the path he once took – a powerful testament to how far an apprenticeship can take you.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to help learners pass their apprenticeships and go onto really great outcomes and roles. One of the best parts of my job is being able to help as many people as possible.
“Middlesbrough College is a really great place to work – I feel valued here, it’s great for development, and I’ve been lucky to have many opportunities throughout my time here. I would recommend it to anyone.”
To anyone considering an apprenticeship, Thomas said:
“If you’re thinking about an apprenticeship, there’s a reason for it – you want to work, to learn, and to get real experience in the industry. Don’t hesitate – go for it!”
“My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is put as much time and effort into your CV as possible and don’t be afraid to ask for advice – from your tutors, your family, your friends – or from people like me in recruitment.
“Take every work experience opportunity you can to make yourself stand out. Be open-minded and don’t limit your options, even if a specific apprenticeship vacancy isn’t exactly what you imagined, it could be the perfect fit. And most importantly, prepare for your interviews so you can show your best self.”
Want to chat more about apprenticeships?
Thomas and the Recruitment Team are here to help! Drop by the pod at Middlesbrough College, Monday to Friday, any week. No matter your course, level, or whether you’re a current student or coming from outside, you’re always welcome to stop by for a chat.
Click here to take a look at our latest apprenticeship vacancies.