Choosing what to do after school or college isn’t always straightforward — especially when you already have an industry in mind. For Harry Cruickshanks, the goal was clear: start building experience early and get a real feel for the working world, while still gaining a recognised qualification.
Harry completed the Business Administrator Level 3 apprenticeship with Heart of England Training and is now employed by Evans Paraplanning Ltd. With a strong interest in the finance sector, he wanted a route that would help him develop practical skills and confidence from day one.
“My passion is for the finance industry, so I wanted to start getting experience within finance straight away.”
Why a Business Administration Apprenticeship Made Sense
Harry chose an apprenticeship because it felt like the most direct and practical pathway into work — particularly compared to staying in full-time education.
Rather than learning solely in a classroom setting, the apprenticeship allowed him to build experience in a real workplace while working towards a qualification. That combination suited Harry’s mindset: learn by doing, gain confidence through responsibility, and build skills he could use immediately.
For anyone who’s motivated by progress, structure and purpose, a Business Administration apprenticeship can be a strong fit. It provides a foundation that applies across almost every industry — and in Harry’s case, it supported his longer-term ambition of building a career within finance.
Training, Support and Regular Catch-Ups with HOET
A good apprenticeship experience isn’t just about the role — it’s also about the guidance you receive along the way. Harry found the training and support he received throughout his apprenticeship genuinely helpful, particularly the consistency of the check-ins.
He shared that the regularity of meetings worked really well, helping him keep momentum and stay on track with his learning. Over the course of the programme, he worked with more than one educator, and felt that each person supported him in a positive and knowledgeable way.
“The regularity of the meetings worked really well for me… [the educators] were all knowledgeable and helped me throughout my apprenticeship.”
That kind of support can make a big difference — especially when you’re balancing work responsibilities with studying, evidence-building and preparing for assessments.
How the Level 3 Apprenticeship Helped in the Workplace
Business Administration is often the engine room of an organisation: managing processes, supporting communication, keeping tasks moving, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
For Harry, the apprenticeship has been directly beneficial to his day-to-day work. He explains that admin is a major part of his role, and the apprenticeship helped him not only sharpen those skills, but also better understand what sits behind the function of the job.
“Definitely, yes. I have to do a lot of admin in my role and the apprenticeship has helped me to progress in my role and understand the different functions of the role.”
That’s what we want to see from an apprenticeship: learning that translates into real confidence and measurable progression at work.
Harry’s Advice for Future Apprentices
When asked what he’d say to someone considering an apprenticeship, Harry keeps it simple and honest. If you’re someone who finds work experience more beneficial, he recommends taking the apprenticeship route.
He also points out something many apprentices only fully appreciate once they’re in it: the benefits often become more obvious as you go — as your confidence grows, your skills develop, and you start seeing real progress in your role.
“There are many benefits to an apprenticeship, and this will only become apparent when you start an apprenticeship.”
Would Harry Recommend an Apprenticeship with HOET?
Yes — and he highlights not just the learning, but how engaging the overall experience felt. He also praised the support in the run-up to his final assessment, sharing that the preparation made the process feel smooth and manageable.
In his words, the lead-up to the exam was made far easier thanks to the work done with him beforehand — which is exactly the kind of reassurance many learners need in the final stretch.
Ready to start your own Business Administration apprenticeship?
If you’re looking for a practical route into work, with real support and a recognised qualification, a Business Administrator Level 3 apprenticeship could be a great next step. Explore apprenticeships with Heart of England Training and speak to our team about what’s available.
