GMA Warehousing welcomes new Business Admin apprentice, Nadia
At GMA Warehousing and Transport, the commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth is paramount. The company's latest initiative, the Business Admin Apprenticeship Programme, is designed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and experience required to thrive in the dynamic world of business administration. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Nadia, one of the newest apprentices who started her journey in May 2024. Here’s a glimpse into her experiences and reflections since joining the team.
1. Introduction to Nadia - What drew her to the apprenticeship at GMA Warehousing?
"Hello, my name is Nadia, and I started this Apprenticeship in May 2024," Nadia begins. "I was drawn to this opportunity because it was recommended to me by my last coordinator at Inspire. After careful consideration, I decided to apply in order to further develop my existing knowledge in Business Administration."
Nadia's decision to join GMA Warehousing was influenced by her desire to gain practical experience while building on her academic foundation. GMA’s renowned reputation for professional development and its supportive work environment made it the perfect place to embark on this career journey.
2. A day in the life of a Business Admin apprentice
As a Business Admin at GMA Warehousing, Nadia's role involves a variety of responsibilities that contribute to the smooth operation of the company. Here, she highlights some of her daily tasks:
Data entry - “I create deliveries for customers who send their details via email. This involves entering accurate data and ensuring the correct information is recorded for each delivery."
Call handling - "Making and taking calls is another crucial part of my role. I work with colleagues and customers to solve issues, whether it’s clarifying delivery details or answering queries."
Quoting - "Finding out prices for deliveries is a regular task. I collaborate with various departments to ensure customers receive accurate quotes for their delivery requests."
ETA chasing - “I also get in touch with other staff members to find out the estimated times of arrival (ETAs) for deliveries, helping customers stay informed about their shipments."
Nadia's role is varied, fast-paced, and essential to the company's logistics operations.
3. Balancing learning and real-world tasks
When asked how she manages to balance learning new skills with performing real-world tasks, Nadia shares some valuable insights; “I think the best way to balance learning new skills and performing real-life tasks in a busy work environment is to take some time out of your day to reflect on what you’ve learned,” she explains.
This reflection time helps her recall key knowledge more easily, preparing her for the challenges of her role while minimising mistakes. For Nadia, blending education with hands-on experience is not only essential but rewarding as well.
4. Enjoying the role: What stands out?
"What I have enjoyed the most about my role has been learning the content of the business administration course," says Nadia. "I find it really interesting, and I believe it will be of great use in the future."
5. Overcoming challenges in the role
Like any job, there are challenges that come with the role of a Business Admin apprentice. Nadia highlights her biggest challenge: “I believe the most challenging part of the course has been keeping up with the amount of emails that come through in the day. Sometimes the bookings inbox can be really hard to clear, especially when more and more emails keep on coming."
However, Nadia doesn't shy away from these challenges. With dedication and perseverance, she and her wider team manage to stay on top of the influx, ensuring the inbox is cleared before the end of the day.
6. How the apprenticeship is preparing Nadia for her career
Nadia is confident that the apprenticeship is setting her up for a successful career in business administration. “This apprenticeship is training me to become a successful business administrator by developing my character and teaching me more about other people and company procedures."
The exposure to real-world tasks, combined with the structured learning environment, has given Nadia the tools she needs to thrive in a business environment. From communication skills to understanding operational procedures, every aspect of her apprenticeship is preparing her for the future.
7. Advice for future apprentices
For those considering a Business Admin Apprenticeship at GMA Warehousing, Nadia has some encouraging words: "If you are considering taking this apprenticeship, I would urge you to do so. You will learn a lot more about business and also get work experience, which you can add to your CV."
Nadia’s journey at GMA Warehousing highlights the benefits of hands-on experience combined with structured learning. Her enthusiasm for the programme is clear, and she believes it offers invaluable opportunities for anyone looking to build a career in business administration.