About Me
It's good to meet you
I am a highly motivated and ambitious 17-year-old preparing to begin a Level 3 apprenticeship in industry. I’ve always been drawn to the fast-paced, people-focused, and problem-solving nature of business, and I am excited to take my first steps in a professional environment where I can build the skills I’ve been cultivating throughout my education and personal life.
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Although I am mid way through my A-Level courses after completing my GCSEs at Barnard Castle School, I have decided that I am ready for more, and never one to miss an opportunity, I believe that your company might be the perfect fit for the next stage in my journey.
My scholastic story so far
After successfully completing my GCSEs at Barnard Castle School with convincing grades (all A-C / 5-7, with Grade 7 in maths and English literature), I began A-level courses in Business, Economics and Psychology at Barnard Castle Sixth Form.
Having been been part of my school's Academic Scholar programme (a scheme that identifies a handful of students from each year group that show high academic potential,) throughout my secondary school career, I have always enjoyed my studies. My most recent reports predict results of A,B,B, at A-Level. However, I have made the considered decision to leave sixth form at the end of Year 12.
Although I perform well in class and am a popular and well liked member of the school community, I believe that exam-based learning and the school environment no longer reflects who I am or how I work best.
Upon discussing my feeling with my family, friends and teachers, we agree that I have somewhat outgrown the system and would benefit from a more practical, hands-on way to develop.
Apprenticeships offer exactly that: the opportunity to earn, learn, and thrive in a working environment that values initiative, real-world problem-solving, and growth through experience.
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So, here I am!
What can I offer your company?
I bring a wide range of strengths that make me a valuable candidate for any business setting. I have:
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills. I can engage confidently with clients and colleagues, both face-to-face and in written formats.
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Proven leadership and decision-making ability. I have led charity events, taken charge in team projects, and thrive in roles where I can support and guide others.
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Great organisation and time management skills. I successfully juggle a packed academic, extracurricular, part time work schedule, in addition to all of my personal responsibilities at home. This has made me efficient, reliable, and self-disciplined.
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Problem-solving and adaptability. I have high functioning ADHD, a condition that I have successfully managed for many years. Far from holding me back, I consider this to be a 'super power.' My ability to hyper focus on complex tasks, come up with creative solutions to difficult issues, and remain ultra calm in high stress situations makes me super adaptable.
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Attention to detail. I hold myself to high standards and never settle for “just okay.” Whether it’s proofreading, scheduling, data analysis or report writing, I make sure everything is done thoroughly and professionally.
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Digitally conversant. I’m confident with all Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook and Excel, as well as open source packages such as Canva.Thanks to my part time work, I also have some experience of Sage 500, CIS Pegasus and Monday.Com packages, as well as Samsara, a fleet management package. I am also willing and able to learn new packages quickly. For example, I used an open source web development package to design this website - something I had never tried before.
Beyond the classroom
Over the past few years, I’ve held several leadership roles within my school, including Anti-Bullying Ambassador, Peer Supporter, and as an active member of the Charity Committee, where I helped raise over £250 for Young Minds. I am also rolling Captain of my school's First Team hockey, a position reserved for those who show the ability to motivate, organise and get the best of their team mates.
I am First Aid certified, and now hold a Level 2 Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health, which reflects my ability to stay calm and act responsibly in high-stress situations. I also completed my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, which taught me resilience, teamwork, and perseverance, qualities that are key in business. Likewise, I was an active member of the Combined Cadet Force for several years, even being named as Cadet of the Year in 2022.
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Although I am confident and chatty on an interpersonal level, I have always had a dislike of public speaking. However, knowing that this was a valuable skill, I applied to join a Lecturn Club, which gives members the opportunity to write and deliver speeches on various topics in a formal setting in front a high profile audience. I found this experience challenging but massively rewarding, and I was proud when my most recent speech received a special mention for its content and delivery. I believe this shows that I am willing to put myself into uncomfortable situations in order to grow.
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From a young age, I’ve demonstrated independence and drive. I’ve often been the one in my family to take initiative—whether that’s supporting my younger sister, balancing home responsibilities, or handling my own appointments and admin. I take pride in being proactive, mature, and self-motivated—skills that transfer directly into a business environment where efficiency, communication, and professionalism matter.
My employment history so far
I have always enjoyed a very full scholastic schedule, packed with volunteer positions that give me the opportunity to try new skills. In addition to my sporting commitments, and the fact that I attend school on Saturdays, I haven't always had the time to find part time work that fits. However, I enjoy 20 weeks of school holidays per year, and always wanting to work, I managed to secure a paid position at a local construction firm that allows me to work in solid blocks of time.
As such, for the last three years, I have worked throughout all of my school holidays in various administrative, data management and commercial roles. For three months of each year, I have been fortunate enough to try various roles here, steadily getting to know the company and enjoying more challenging tasks each time I work.
From diary management for the Directors, producing reports, managing customer care systems and logging jobs, all the way through to creating marketing material, tracking the fleet and flagging anomalies, and helping to implement a new purchase order processing system, I have been able to make a meaningful contribution. In my most recent stint with the company, I was even able to work alongside the Commercial Team and estimated several jobs - one of which I later found out the company won. You can find more about my employment history in my CV.
My future goals
Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to work my way up within a people and future focussed organisation—perhaps into a management, operations, marketing or finance position—where I can combine my strengths in organisation, strategy, and working with people. I’m particularly interested in sectors like marketing, customer service, administration, finance, logistics, procurement and project coordination, but I’m open to any opportunity where I can learn and grow. Ultimately, I would like to join a company that will support me to complete my higher education as part of a commitment to life long learning and personal development.
Why Me?
I’m ready to bring my energy, commitment, work ethic and strong interpersonal skills into a company that values initiative and ambition. I want to contribute meaningfully from day one, while learning from experienced professionals who can help shape my future. I’m driven, curious, and eager to begin the journey I’ve always known was right for me.
"It is no exaggeration to say that Saffron has fantastic potential. Her blend of intelligence, independence, creativity, and interpersonal ability makes her an ideal candidate for a forward-thinking organisation."
David White, Head of Business Studies, Barnard Castle School