Interview: Nomsa Chabata, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 4) with LDN Apprenticeships
Carole Scott, our Head of Communications, interviewed Nomsa about her experience of being an apprentice and why she would recommend this route to others.
Before you became an apprentice at 3Keel, what other options were you considering?
I was considering going to university to study Economics, or perhaps a joint degree in Economics and Geography, or even just pure Geography. I had a strong interest in development, particularly sustainable development in developing countries, so that was the other route I was originally planning to take.
And what convinced you that an apprenticeship was your best route?
For me, the deciding factor was the practical experience. University study can be quite theoretical, whereas an apprenticeship offers hands-on experience immediately. Being successful, not just in sustainability but in any space, relies on interacting with different stakeholders. This route gave me the opportunity to work with a company like 3Keel that has an array of clients and stakeholders. Plus, there is flexibility because you can always go to university after an apprenticeship if you choose.
What do you think about apprenticeships as an alternative route to university?
I think apprenticeships are a fantastic route, especially for individuals who have a different learning style and thrive with a large practical element to their studying. It is important to remember that with some apprenticeships, you can still get a degree alongside the practical work. University is not for everyone. This is a way to get into the workplace immediately.
What does your apprenticeship cover?
It covers an array of topics within the sustainability space. We look at ESG reporting and governance, as well as social value, such as community projects that support the areas around a business. A major element is also legislation, especially with the recent push for legal frameworks in this space. The themes are always evolving. In the past, the focus was mainly climate change, then sustainability, and now we are moving towards resilience.
What’s the split between work and study?
I spend four days a week in the office working on 3Keel projects, and then I have one day set aside specifically to study. That study day involves doing coursework and collating the portfolio pieces that support my End Point Assessment, which is the exam part of the apprenticeship.
How is the study organised, do you have exams or is it all coursework?
It is a mix. I have coursework alongside journals where I write about my on and off the job experiences. These journals are mapped against Knowledge Skills and Behaviours (KSBs), to ensure I am hitting all the requirements to become a practitioner.
Alongside those, I have to collect between 10 to 14 portfolio pieces. These are short evidence pieces where I go into detail about the KSBs I have achieved through my work experience. All of this supports my End Point Assessment. This assessment involves a project that runs for roughly 16 weeks. At the end of that, I will write a 5,000 word project review, deliver a presentation on the project, and have a professional discussion with an examiner going through my evidence pieces.
What is the best thing about being an apprentice?
The best thing is getting to work with the best people in the industry. It feels like a unique and individual experience, not in the sense that you are alone, but that the support is tailored to you. You have your manager, the wider teams, past apprentices, and your skills coach, so there is always someone to speak with. There is a strong sense of community where both the company and the apprenticeship provider are rooting for you to succeed.
If you compare yourself now to when you started as an apprentice, how would you say you have developed?
I feel like I have worked on my hard skills, but I have developed my soft skills even more. This is my first time in this sort of professional setting. In the beginning, I was terrified of speaking up in meetings or talking to clients. Now, I am at a point where I feel comfortable in those situations. I am slowly overcoming the imposter syndrome that a lot of people experience when they first start out.
What are you enjoying about the course and what else would you like from it?
One thing I am really enjoying is seeing how Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability looks in different businesses. Working at a sustainability consultancy, sustainability is the central pillar of what we do. However, through the course, I get to meet apprentices who work in smaller teams within wider businesses, or in the sustainability teams of huge corporations.
It is fascinating to see how they navigate that environment and try to push the sustainability and responsibility agenda. I love seeing that initiative across an array of different spaces. In terms of what else I would like, I just want to continue to grow as much as possible and work with as many people who are as passionate about impact as I am.
What are your hopes and ambitions for your career?
My ambition is to gain seniority within an organisation and eventually take my knowledge and bring it to developing countries. I believe that business and a thriving economy are what drive success, GDP, and living standards. My goal is to bring development to developing nations but in a sustainable manner, one that does not hurt the people but allows them to flourish further.
What message would you give to anyone thinking about engaging in an apprenticeship?
My message is to go for it. And once you get the role, say yes. What I mean by that is there will be so many opportunities, cool projects, and conversations that come your way. Make sure you engage with them to get the most out of the experience. Apply that mindset not just within your organisation, but also with your apprenticeship provider and the wider apprenticeship community.
