Scottish Apprenticeship Week takes place 4-8 March 2019 and celebrates the achievements of individual apprentices and all those who contribute to their success.

Lauren Bannigan joined DM Hall in the Legal Searches and Property Services department in January 2019 as a Trainee Property Enquiry Officer. We asked her a few questions about her apprenticeship and experiences with DM Hall so far.

1. What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I didn’t actually apply for the apprenticeship!  I had asked DM Hall if they could offer me work experience as I felt that this was lacking in my CV as I was looking for a job where I could progress and make a career for myself. After two weeks work experience, I was delighted to be offered an Apprenticeship as they thought I would be well suited to the position. I found the work very interesting and also exactly the type of role I was looking for.

2. Are you working towards any training or qualifications?

At the end of my apprenticeship, I will be awarded with an SVQ Level 3 Business and Administration at SCQF Level 6. This is the equivalent of a Scottish Higher. This is achieved within the work place whereby I carry out a number of modules that are marked by Skills Development Scotland who provide the training for the qualification. I will also become a fully trained Property Enquiry Officer as long as I work hard to meet the necessary criteria.

3. How is DM Hall supporting you with the apprenticeship?

DM Hall is very supportive. They continuously offer help when needed. I have my own in-house mentor, who was a previous Apprentice within this Department. Her help and previous experience of the process has been invaluable. I have frequent meetings with my Manager to ensure I am happy with my progress and meeting the objectives that have been set. The whole team have been very encouraging and help me when I ask. I feel very happy with the support that I’ve been offered and definitely would not be doing this apprenticeship without it!

4. What are your career goals?

I would love to stay within DM Hall and be able to progress my career. I thoroughly enjoy my job and look forward to a new day. Everything I do within DM Hall has been a learning experience and the role covers a lot of different skills. My main goal at present is to complete my Apprenticeship, become a fully- fledged Property Enquiry Officer and be an integral part of a successful team.

5. What have you enjoyed most about the role so far?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the variety of the job within the Department. I have covered a lot of areas within a small amount of time – Property Enquiry Certificates, Coal Reports, daily accounts procedures, using Email, phoning clients and also mailroom duties. These are just some of the tasks I complete daily that I really enjoy. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of a motivated team and getting to know the people I work with and being able to have fun whilst doing the job too.

Amanda Cameron, Partner at DM Hall, said “This year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Week theme is ‘Skills for the Future’ and Lauren’s role demonstrates that there many different routes to employment by gaining skills and qualifications in the workplace.  The Apprenticeship Scheme is beneficial to both the individual and the business as a whole.  In my opinion, I believe the Scheme produces motivated and committed staff, who also gain a nationally recognised qualification.  The fact that we offer Apprenticeships helps with attracting staff as they can see the company is investing time and energy into workforce development.  Lauren has been a great addition to our team, and we are delighted to see her doing so well.”