Morgan Thomas: Growing with The LIA – A Business Administration Apprenticeship Journey

Morgan’s journey with The LIA showcases the impact of apprenticeships in developing essential skills, gaining hands-on experience, and building a strong foundation for a successful career. From supporting daily operations to engaging with members and refining her expertise, she has become an integral part of our team.

In this case study, we explore Morgan’s experience, what she’s learned so far, and her advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship.

Introduction & Background

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your role as a Business Administration Apprentice at The LIA?
As a business administration apprentice, I get a hand on experience will most areas of the business. Mainly focusing on accounts and assisting in all areas that need help.

What made you choose an apprenticeship over other education or career paths?
I attended college for two years, within my two years of college I never had any practical work or work experience for that matter, I soon realised an apprenticeship would be the ideal route for me to get the knowledge I wanted and to adjust to working life.

How did you first hear about this apprenticeship opportunity?
After leaving college I was stuck with where I wanted to go next, I saw a vacancy to be a Business Administrator Apprentice at The LIA, and after research and interviews I realised the company had an inspiring mission and values which I wanted to be apart of.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Have you had the opportunity to work on any interesting projects or events?
I had the pleasure of attending our Annual Lunch last year, which was a great experience, I was involved in the prep, and generic duties such as arranging travel for LIA staff, creating name badges, and handing these out to attendees.

Skills & Development

What new skills have you developed since starting your apprenticeship?
Since starting my apprenticeship at The LIA, I have developed a range of valued skills that have enhanced my capabilities in the workplace. My time at The LIA has provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge that continues to grow as I gain more experience and take on new responsibilities.

How has the apprenticeship helped you grow both personally and professionally?
On a personal level, the apprenticeship has helped me become more disciplined, responsible, and self-motivated, and adapting to new challenges has strengthened my time management and resilience. I have grown in confidence, taking initiative and embracing new opportunities to learn and improve.

Are there any aspects of the job or industry that surprised you?
What surprised me the most is how vast the lighting industry is. There are so many sectors involved that you wouldn’t necessarily notice at first glance. I was also amazed by the amount of hard work that goes into making the industry compliant and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

Industry & Workplace Experience

How have you found working in the lighting industry so far?
Working in the lighting industry has been incredibly insightful. I learn new things every day and gain a deeper understanding of processes that outsiders wouldn’t typically see.

Support & Training

How do you balance your on-the-job training with coursework or qualifications?
I believe the key to balancing my coursework with on-the-job training is to stay disciplined and establish a routine that works best for me. If you're unsure how to create a routine, it’s important to be open and honest with your training provider or manager to see if they can help you come up with a solution.

Advice for Future Apprentices

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship in business administration, especially within the lighting industry?
I’d say go for it! As someone who had no prior knowledge of the sector, I can’t imagine where I’d be if I hadn’t pursued the apprenticeship. It has been incredibly useful and truly eye-opening.

Future Aspirations

How has this apprenticeship shaped your future career plans?
My apprenticeship has had a massive impact on shaping my future. I believe you never truly know what you want to do until you’ve experienced it for yourself, and for me, working at the LIA has opened my eyes to what I’d like to pursue in my career.

What’s next for you after completing your apprenticeship?
After completing my apprenticeship, I hope to continue working at The LIA, gaining more knowledge and experience while also maintaining structure and balance. Successfully finishing my apprenticeship will be a huge achievement for me. While it's hard to predict exactly what the future holds, I can confidently say that I’m excited for the changes ahead.