Finance Administration Officer

Siddiqua Fozdar – Apprentice Stories

#### Siddiqua is a Finance Administration Officer at [Employer hidden] and completed her Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship with The Apprentice Academy. Below, she reflects on her apprenticeship journey, sharing how the experience has increased her confidence and supported her professional development.

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Why did you decide to commence an apprenticeship?

“It was an opportunity to understand more about the role of procurement and purchasing within the school. I chose to take the apprenticeship route as I was interested in upskilling while gaining knowledge on a practical level.”

What kind of support do you receive from your tutor?

“I was appointed a wonderful tutor and coach, Jenny Tipper, who was truly a breath of fresh air. She had an excellent, positive mindset and encouraged me throughout the process. The communication and support I received from her were the main reasons I enjoyed the apprenticeship so much – and ultimately achieved a distinction.”

How does Star Academies support its employees to learn and develop their skills?

“At Star I have always had support with my continuing professional development. My managers Arefa Darbar and Anisha Pathan have encouraged me to develop my confidence and discover my true abilities, helping me to bring out the best within my role. Connecting with and learning from the Star Central Procurement team was also particularly valuable for me as it broadened my understanding of best practice and gave me insight into procurement at trust level.”

What benefits have you already seen from your apprenticeship training?

“I have developed strong knowledge and confidence across a range of areas, including purchasing, supplier management and negotiation. Applying these new skills has enabled me to add greater value to orders and purchasing decisions, while also improving how I manage relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Through this experience, I have grown my passion for my role and gained a deeper understanding of the public education sector.”

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

“I would encourage others to consider an apprenticeship as they are a great way to develop new skills while applying what you learn directly in a real working environment. Make the most of every opportunity by staying eager to learn and gaining as much hands-on experience as possible throughout your studies. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek support when you need it – this is one of the best ways to grow and succeed.”

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