What apprenticeship are you doing?
I am currently completing a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with the London Transport Museum.
I am based in the Learning and Participation Directorate, where we run really fun and engaging workshops, programmes and activities across our two sites for diverse audiences.
I work in the Communities Team, which means I get to help build relationships with local community groups and organisations (one of my favourite parts of the role)!
What attracted you to this apprenticeship?
I have always been a history nerd, with my main interest being socio‑cultural history. My experiences in studying history sparked an interest in working in the heritage sector and understanding more about our past. However, entering the sector has been quite difficult for me.
When I came across this apprenticeship at the London Transport Museum, I was immediately intrigued. I didn’t know much about what learning teams do in museums, but the job description completely sold it. I loved the idea of supporting a team which helps people connect with transport history in creative and meaningful ways. I was also excited about the chance to work in the West End!
The museum’s focus on socio‑cultural history appealed to me, especially as someone who uses public transport regularly. The travel benefits that come with working for Transport for London made the opportunity much more accessible for me – without these, commuting to and from London would have been a real challenge.
Additionally, I will hopefully achieve the Business Administration qualification which gives me a flexible foundation for the future, whether I stay in the heritage sector or explore a different path in the corporate world.
How has your experience been?
So far, my experience has been amazing!
I am so grateful to have opportunities to shadow and support different teams across the museum and visit other cultural institutions around London. My inner child adventurer has been thriving, especially through Cultural Apprentice Network events and Young Freelancer Training Workshops.
Another highlight is supporting my team’s workshops. Each one has been really wholesome, and I love meeting people from all walks of life. It is a reminder of why I wanted to work in the heritage sector in the first place.
There have been challenges in balancing studying with full‑time work. However, I have found a routine that works for me, and it has helped me stay on track. I have also been pushed outside my comfort zone with front‑of‑house roles and workshop delivery. This felt really daunting at first, but it has been incredibly valuable to have these interactions with the public. Understanding visitor experience is essential when working in back-of-house roles.
Overall, this apprenticeship has really solidified my passion for the heritage sector. It feels meaningful to contribute to people’s lives through the workshops and programmes we deliver.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
I would say it is definitely something to consider.
An apprenticeship is a brilliant way to gain a qualification in a field you are genuinely interested in while developing valuable work experience at the same time. Additionally, there is no worry of student debt.
Firstly, I would recommend researching the different types of apprenticeships out there, because there are so many to choose from. There really is something for everyone – some organisations even offer solicitor apprenticeships!
I also think apprenticeships are a much more accessible form of higher education, especially for young people or anyone who prefers learning by experience. I think apprenticeships should be promoted more in schools, because they open up so many opportunities.
Vinusha is learning apprentice (communities) at London Transport Museum