Monday saw the United Nations Youth Skills Day, acknowledging and celebrating the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship. At Roman, there is great emphasis on the promotion of personal development for young people where by that be through Roman’s apprenticeships, graduate programs or work experience. Fostering a dialogue between young people and the working world equips them to confidently transition into the workforce. Today I sat down with Connor, one of Roman’s design apprentices to discuss the significance his apprenticeship has had on him.
What motivated you to choose this particular apprenticeship?
The wide breadth of skills I would learn in research, design, and development as well as the avenues of opportunity that comes with the role. It felt really exciting and interesting. The collaborative working environment that Roman fosters is very appealing. I wanted to be in an environment where I could thrive both professionally and personally, whilst feeling supported.
How has this experience impacted your personal growth?
I would say that my confidence has grown as well as my knowledge of the industry. The apprenticeship has instilled a strong sense of discipline and time management. Balancing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and maintaining high standards of quality have all been critical learning experiences. Ongoing self-assessments has also been crucial for my personal and professional growth, encouraging self-reflection and adaptability.
What skills have you learned at Roman that you find most valuable?
Through working in such a collaborative team I’ve learned how to communicate effectively, and the importance this has. My knowledge of both products and software has improved immensely, and the hands-on experience that Roman offers has been really crucial for my understanding. Problem-solving is another key skill I feel I’ve learned, overcoming challenges and offering solutions as a team.
Lastly, what would you say to other young people embarking on apprenticeship schemes?
Definitely throw yourself all in, apprenticeships allow you to gain experience whilst also earning and gaining qualifications. On-the-job working experience is so valuable and the perspective and experience you get from being involved in a company makes you very work-ready. Apprenticeship schemes definitely give you that working confidence that you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.