Ross Walker

CATEGORY OFFICER, CAPITAL & INFRASTRUCTURE AT GOVERNMENT OF JERSEY CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY (LEVEL 4)

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship over going to university?

An apprenticeship was appealing to me because it meant I could earn while I learnt. I also felt that I would get more practical experience.

What have been the highlights of your apprenticeship?

The highlights have been the work that I have been involved on. Government of Jersey is involved in so many different types of areas. Working in procurement has exposed me to industries and services I had never worked on before. I feel these experiences working with different stakeholders from all levels is what excites me and keeps everyday being different to the next.

What elements have you found the most challenging?

As the Government of Jersey is such a large organisation and the projects are so vast they can take months to be completed, keeping that motivation going even though you can’t see results straight away was, for me, the most challenging aspect.

How have you found the experience of balancing work, study and life?

Within Commercial Services and specifically procurement, where I have spent most of my time, the support from colleagues makes balancing work, study and life very easy. Working on the apprenticeship scheme means that they have already made the decision to invest in me, because of this they give you the space to study.

How have Trackers mentors helped to support you?

The mentor support that I have received from Amy at Skills Jersey has been invaluable, in the early stages Amy really helped to get me settled into the job. Throughout the rest of the time, she was there to help with organisation of my projects, understanding the wider Government and how an organisation of this size operates.

What are the next career steps for you?

Since starting as an apprentice with Commercial Services I have now become full-time with procurement, my aims over the next year are to complete all my CIPS exams while getting a few big projects that I have been working on completed.

Do you have any advice for future apprentices? Do it!