9 February 2026
To celebrate National Apprenticeship week, we interviewed Lucie who has recently started a 15 month apprenticeship in the corporate team at The Portman Estate.
Lucie is studying towards a BPP Level 3 Business Administration qualification through the BPP.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
Personally, doing an apprenticeship was always the route I wanted to take. I learn better through experience and application; therefore, studying and practical work co-existing is ideal. I’ve always been very academic, so I have felt, especially through my last years of school, that it was an expectation that I must go to university; however, I knew this wasn’t for me. I knew I wanted to go straight into something that would benefit me long-term and create the exposure I needed to begin my professional career at a young age. I’ve always enjoyed studying, so I wanted to continue after A-levels, but I knew I also wanted the experience a job would offer. Therefore, the apprenticeship route offered me both, alongside the necessary support systems I needed at the start of my career.
What does your apprenticeship entail?
I am part of a diverse Corporate Team, where I closely support the Corporate Governance, Human Resources, and Marketing & Communications functions. My role includes a wide range of tasks, for example: providing support with Corporate Governance functions, such as producing minutes for internal committees, to assisting the HR team with the onboarding and recruitment of new staff members. Each day is different and exciting; I find myself being involved in such a diverse range of tasks weekly, which allows me to grow in both my knowledge and experience.
What do you enjoy the most in your apprenticeship?
I enjoy the culture here at The Portman Estate. As a young person coming into the professional field of work, it seems somewhat intimidating. However, from the very beginning, everyone here at the Estate has made me feel welcomed and as a valued member of the team. I always feel as though I’m supported in everything I do, and I have enjoyed having independent tasks and projects to work on, as it has really allowed me to grow into my role and my confidence. I particularly like, alongside the culture, the interactions with various teams and also with senior colleagues. I think this is very valuable and unique to The Portman Estate and is what makes the company culture so admirable.
What’s the most valuable skill you’ve learnt so far?
I’ve learnt the importance of confidence, the value of putting yourself forward and being eager to participate in as much as possible. Towards the beginning of my apprenticeship, I made it a personal goal to push myself out of my comfort zone. I really challenged myself and my confidence by putting myself forward for things such as the Mental Health First Aid group and taking on tasks that seemed challenging. However, by having confidence, I’ve expanded my knowledge and experience extensively and I’m very lucky to have the opportunity and the support system here at The Portman Estate that has allowed me to flourish.
Where do you see your apprenticeship taking you next?
It’s hard to say so early on; however, this apprenticeship has opened my eyes to a wide range of interests: I especially enjoy all of the work I do within my team. However, I know that from the beginning of my apprenticeship search, I’ve been interested in the Real Estate/property industry. So, with my experience and exposure here at the Estate, I aim to continue on in this direction and see where my skills take me. Currently, I am working towards a Level 3 qualification, and I see myself potentially progressing to either a Level 5 or Level 7 qualification in the near future.
Do you have any advice for anyone looking into apprenticeships?
My advice would be to never be disappointed by rejection on your journey to finding your apprenticeship. When a role that’s suitable for you comes along, it will be worth it. At times, looking for apprenticeships can be tough and very competitive; it’s important to use the application process to build on your interview and communication skills. I would also recommend LinkedIn; it’s an amazing platform to explore career pathways and get expertise from industry professionals. It’s a great tool to gain clarity for what you actually want in an apprenticeship, as the company has to be just as much a fit for you as you are for them.
