Before landing on my feet here at Halton Housing, I had a good education and a great family behind me, but I also had this overwhelming need to please everyone. That pressure made it hard to choose a career path. I knew I wanted to keep learning in any way I could, but I also felt ready for real responsibility and the chance to take ownership of my work.

I’d always heard amazing things about Halton Housing from people who worked here. They talked about it like it was more than a workplace, describing it as a community and somewhere you could genuinely belong. That stuck with me. So, when the chance came up to apply for an apprenticeship, I didn’t think twice. After my interview, meeting my potential manager and getting a feel for the environment, I wanted it so badly. Every time my phone made a sound, my heart jumped.

I began my journey as an Estates Apprentice. Those first two months were full of learning, adjusting, and figuring out how everything worked. The team around me made such a difference. They were supportive, patient, and always pushing me to have the best experience possible. I was able to socialise and experience all areas of the business that interested me.

I moved into the Fleet and Facilities team as a Business Admin Apprentice under the Health and Safety Manager. This was the moment everything changed for me. I was introduced to compliance, safety processes, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but something clicked. I loved the structure, the responsibility, and the feeling that what I was doing, mattered. I enjoyed doing the small things like helping to keep the fleet on the road and being the go-to person when things went wrong or for some simple advice. These things sometimes go unnoticed, but I could see the difference, and that self-pride made it all worth it. I genuinely think that this experience and the people I met along the way have changed my life. I have worked part-time jobs, full-time jobs, two jobs at a time, and none of them have impacted me like this one.

15 months on, and I have secured a full-time role as a service support advisor alongside finishing my Business Admin apprenticeship. Everything I enjoyed during my apprenticeship has come together in this role. I get to work in an area that challenges me, keeps me learning, and lets me play a part in keeping our customers safe. I love the structure, and I feel as though I am thriving in work but also in my personal life because I love what I am doing and I am surrounded by great people. Thanks to Pauline, Marilyn, Helen, and my college tutor Jan – all inspiring women that I have been lucky to be mentored by.

I joined Halton Housing unsure of what I wanted, and now I’m building a career in an area I’m genuinely passionate about. This place has given me confidence, direction, and a sense of belonging. My apprenticeship didn’t just teach me skills, it helped me figure out who I want to be. And as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, I hope my story shows how life-changing an apprenticeship can be, especially here at Halton Housing.