At Escone Solutions we recently took on our fourth Apprentice into the business so we decided it would be a good idea to showcase these amazing individuals and get to know them and their stories a bit more.
Since joining Escone, Jodie has been involved in all aspects of the business, she has played a pivotal role within the Escone Assist helpdesk, and she is now a mainstay of the Consultancy division of Escone. Jodie’s rise from school leaver to being a key member of the team was recognised when she was nominated in the Northern Star Business Awards 2022 in the Rising Star category.
Jodie Donald (21)
What is your Job Title?
Business Applications Consultant.
Which school did you attend?
When did you join Escone Solutions?
I joined Escone in February 2019. I left in the middle of the school year to join Escone, just before sitting my prelims for my higher qualifications. I saw the job at Escone and just decided to apply, leaving school less than five days after applying.
Why did you decide to take up an apprenticeship?
I did enjoy school but, as time went on, I knew it wasn’t something I wanted to then do for another four years at university. However, I still wanted to gain a qualification and build on that, so I felt an apprenticeship allowed me the freedom of learning and working at the same time.
What has the apprenticeship given you in terms of experience, confidence, career development?
The apprenticeship has allowed me to meet new people, both through my work and the learning courses I completed during the apprenticeship. I have gained a lot of communication confidence – before I would be quick to avoid composing an email or phoning someone but with time, I have become more comfortable and confident in completing this task. My apprenticeship has seen me through a lot of my development. The things I learned during this time have let me switch to different aspects of the business and explore all Escone has to offer. The skills you learn during your apprenticeship are transferable, no matter the role you are currently undertaking.
How have the team at Escone supported you in your development?
Everyone in the team is happy to lend a hand if you are struggling with any aspect of your work. Without them, I would have taken a lot longer to finish my apprenticeship. For each apprenticeship module, they were happy to write me a reference and sit in with me for my meetings with my assessor. This always made me feel valued and supported at Escone.
Even now after I have finished my apprenticeship the learning hasn’t stopped. I have since completed an ITIL Foundation 4 and ITIL Direct Plan and Improve course to help me develop even further. Escone is always looking to continue your learning and is happy to hear the ideas you have.
How has your career progressed?
After my apprenticeship, I continued to work on the helpdesk. In 2021, I became the Assist Lead and was responsible for the day-to-day running of Escone Assist. Since then, I have moved to the consultancy department and am now a Business Application Consultant.
Have you any career plans for the next few years?
I never imagined when I started at Escone I would have completed all I have. The next few years will be about continuing on the same path and keep doing what I have been doing.
To find out more about the support we offer at Escone Solutions, click here >> https://bit.ly/3Mzcq0B
