Beth Johnson - Business Support Apprentice

Hi, I’m Beth, the new Business Support apprentice with Severn Arts 

Before coming to Severn Arts, I’d graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in Literature, and a plan to pursue a career in records management or administration. 

However, I had to step away from work for a period to focus on managing a long-term health condition with the support of my doctor. By the time I was ready to return to work, I had a sizable gap in my CV, with little work experience to show since my graduation. When I saw the ad for an apprenticeship with Severn Arts, it felt like it could be the perfect opportunity to refresh my skills and take the first step back into the workplace. 

I’m incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to train with Severn Arts, as I’m able to develop both my skills and rebuild my confidence at the same time. The training has been very hands-on; I spend most of my time handling correspondence and processing order forms, as well as assisting with instrument collections and returns and handling queries over the phone. I also get to regularly communicate with our diverse team of music teachers, and everyone is friendly and open to answering any questions I might have. 

But what I value the most about working here is seeing the difference we make in the local community, whether that’s through our arts events, our music lessons, or the creative opportunities that we open up for young people. I’m just one small cog in a much larger machine, but it’s a machine that I’m very proud to be a part of. I’m really lucky to have found myself in such a compassionate team of people.