Apprentice Voice: Meet Corbyn

Corbyn Powell joined the Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship with little to no prior experience in payroll. From the outset, Corbyn was determined to develop his skills and establish a solid foundation in payroll, having previously explored an apprenticeship in accounting that didn’t fully meet his expectations.

Corbyn’s decision to pursue an apprenticeship was driven by a strong preference for practical learning over theoretical studies.

Having completed his schooling, Corbyn was eager to enter the workforce and gain hands-on experience. This led him to apply for the apprenticeship with Barratts, where he saw the potential for a rewarding career.

Throughout the apprenticeship, Corbyn was committed to learning and applying his newfound knowledge. He recognised the value of being able to implement the theoretical concepts he learned in a real-world setting. This practical approach not only reinforced his learning but also helped him to quickly progress within his role at Barratts.

Corbyn attributes much of his success to the development of a variety of soft and hard skills, which were critical to his achievement:

Corbyn’s confidence grew steadily as he advanced through the course. Initially uncertain of his capabilities, he gradually became more assured in his role, taking on more responsibilities at work.
Juggling assignments and self-study with the demands of his job required Corbyn to develop strong time management skills. He learned to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring that both his academic and professional responsibilities were met.
Working within a team environment, Corbyn’s communication skills saw marked improvement. He became more adept at expressing ideas and collaborating with colleagues, which enhanced his performance in both individual and group settings.

Corbyn’s journey was supported by his tutors, with special recognition given to Leanne Brindley. Leanne played a crucial role in guiding Corbyn through the course, providing both academic and emotional support, which was instrumental in helping Corbyn overcome challenges and maintain his motivation throughout the apprenticeship. Corbyn expressed his gratitude, stating,

“I don’t think we could have had a better tutor, to be honest.”

As a result of his hard work and the comprehensive support he received, Corbyn successfully completed his apprenticeship with a Distinction. This accomplishment has not only boosted his confidence but also positioned him for further career advancement. Corbyn has already taken on more responsibility at Barratts, a testament to the high level of skill and professionalism he has developed.

Looking to the future, Corbyn plans to continue his education and career in payroll. While he intends to take a short break to focus on personal matters, such as settling into his new home, he has expressed interest in pursuing a Level 5 apprenticeship and potentially a Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) qualification. Corbyn’s long-term goal is to specialise further in payroll management or leadership, building on the strong foundation he has already established.

If you are an employer interested in offering either the Level 3 Payroll Administrator, or the Level 5 Payroll Assistant Manager Apprenticeships to your employees as part of your Learning and Development plan, visit our Apprenticeships and Work Based Training pages to see how GoLearn can support you.