Ethan Kent

Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship

“My Business Administration apprenticeship opened options to me.”

In March 2020, Ethan gained an apprenticeship role as an Administrator in the Medical Records department at the Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Trust, while working towards his Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship.

Discover how since completing his apprenticeship, Ethan has gained a permanent full-time role as a Clinical Documents Administrator.

Ethan’s Story  

“When I left school, I went to college for about 18 months, then started looking for jobs and felt like I was getting nowhere.

So, I decided to apply for a Business Administration apprenticeship and was successful. I was so keen to be working, and gaining a qualification at the same time was an added bonus.

After previously studying Sports and Music at college, moving into administrative work was a big jump, but one I’m glad I did because it opens all the options to me.

Looking back, my apprenticeship and experience working at the hospital have really boosted my confidence. During the lockdown it was impacted a bit by not being out as much as I was, but working in the hospital has really helped.

The teaching and support provided by MK College really exceeded my expectations. The support I received from my tutor was exceptional, especially when it came to the end point assessment, making sure I was confident in myself to talk about my knowledge and making sure my work was up to standards.

I also had three supervisors within the department who acted as mentors, supporting me as best they could as I was learning on the job.

I’d say the thing I found most challenging was my lack of prior knowledge of the business side. I had to get used to new terminology, where other people might have had experience from their GCSEs. So going into my Level 3 I felt like I was starting from square one.

However, I went on to achieve a distinction grade in my apprenticeship, which was more than I was hoping for.  Since completing it I’ve worked as a Patient Pathways Coordinator at the hospital, and I’m now a full-time permanent Clinical Documents Administrator.  

I’m really happy at the hospital, and will be looking to progress here again in a couple of years’ time.”

Ethan’s advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship would be:

“Go for it. One of the biggest issues I had when starting was my commute, as I live in Northampton, and my parents weren’t sure about the half hour drive every day. But – if it’s something you want to do, it’s worth going for. It’s been the best thing to happen for me – especially during lockdown.

If you want to do it and have thought it through, go for it – you know what’s right for you, go with your gut.”