My Journey So Far: Aileigh McKay as a Foundation Apprentice at KDB Energy®
“I have loved my placement so far and I’m excited for what’s to come”.
Hi, my name is Aileigh McKay. I recently joined the KDB Energy® team as part of my foundation apprenticeship, which I'm currently undertaking. As part of this apprenticeship, I was attending college one day a week to enhance my business skills and delve deeper into the theoretical aspects of business. Now, I'm gaining practical work experience by assisting Katie in various tasks, particularly enjoying creating and scheduling social media posts.
I'm currently a S6 student at Buckie High School, and I first learned about this opportunity from my old guidance teacher during a parents' evening. The course immediately caught my attention because it allows me to continue my academic pursuits while gaining valuable work experience. Moreover, it aligns perfectly with my aspirations to pursue a career in business management, for which I've recently applied to universities. I highly recommend considering a foundation apprenticeship to anyone interested in this field; it's an emerging pathway that showcases your skills and provides insight into working in a business environment.
“I aspire to have a career in this industry, as I have just applied to universities to study business management”.
I'm thoroughly enjoying my work experience at KDB energy®. Not only am I acquiring new skills, but I'm also learning to use various apps crucial for daily business operations. Through this apprenticeship, I aim to gain insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of running a small business, which I wouldn't have obtained solely through traditional schooling. Katie has been instrumental in assigning tasks and providing guidance, which will be valuable when providing feedback to the college.
In addition to my apprenticeship, I also work part-time at a local ice cream shop, which initially sparked my interest in business. Furthermore, my experience coaching at a gymnastics club in Macduff has honed my communication and team-building skills. As a former gymnast myself, I've seized numerous opportunities that will undoubtedly benefit me in my future endeavours, whether it's at university or in the workforce.
I'm excited about the upcoming months at KDB energy®, where I anticipate to further grow in my skills and knowledge. This experience will undoubtedly contribute to my future career paths. Finally, I encourage anyone seeking something different to explore foundation apprenticeships in their respective fields. It's an excellent way to gain practical experience and essential skills for the workplace or university, providing a valuable head start in the professional world.
What has been your biggest takeaway from the placement?
"Probably how much work actually has to go into the business to make it run smoothly, and there's a lot of work that goes into social media, which I didn't think there would be. There are so many tasks, and I'm constantly busy. It's given me a real taste of working in business behind the scenes."
What has been the most interesting thing you have come across behind the scenes?
"I didn't realise how diverse the KDB Energy business was, from the 'Bringing The Energy' podcast to the website, social media, online courses, membership and live events/classes. I signed my confidentiality agreement before starting the placement, but I've been able to see behind-the-scenes plans and development for the future—it's exciting."
Have you found anything challenging during the placement?
"All the tools and platforms are new to me, so it has just taken a bit of getting used to. Thankfully, Katie goes through it all with me and mentors me. We work with others virtually, so this has given me experience in teamwork through online platforms."
“I would definitely recommend choosing a foundation apprenticeship as it’s a good way to gain experience and skills!”