At Amulet, we’re passionate about investing in our people and supporting them to achieve their full potential. One recent success story is Ioana Mehedintu, screening administrator and co-owner, who has successfully completed the Highfield Level 3 Recruiter Apprenticeship and achieved an outstanding distinction in her end-point assessment.
For Ioana, the apprenticeship wasn’t simply about gaining a qualification. It was an opportunity to develop new skills, broaden her understanding of the business and challenge herself in new ways.
“I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it,” she says. Fifteen months later, she achieved exactly that.
Expanding knowledge and building confidence
Throughout the programme, Ioana developed a deeper understanding of recruitment and the important role it plays in connecting the right people with the right opportunities.
She gained valuable insight into the recruitment process, from understanding candidate needs to recognising the requirements of hiring managers and the wider business. Along the way, she also developed skills that have benefitted her far beyond recruitment itself.
One of the biggest lessons she took from the apprenticeship was the importance of organisation and time management.
“I was able to learn more about what recruitment does, what are the steps and how you can find the right candidate for the right role. One of the skills I developed was time management and learning how to stay on top of my day-to-day job while completing the course assignments.”
The programme also helped build her confidence. While balancing work and study initially felt daunting, successfully managing both showed her what could be achieved through determination and commitment.
“At the beginning I was anxious about how I would manage both at the same time, but now after 15 months I can say: if you really wish for something, you will do anything to make it real.”
Stepping outside her comfort zone
Like many apprentices, Ioana found the first few weeks the most challenging.
Adjusting to a new routine and creating time for learning alongside her daily responsibilities required discipline and planning. Following guidance from her tutor, she began setting aside dedicated time each day for studying and completing assignments.
This simple but effective approach helped her remain organised and focused throughout the programme.
“The first few weeks were challenging as I had to adjust to a new routine. Over time it became a normal part of my working day rather than something extra I had to fit in.”
In fact, many colleagues were unaware that she was completing an apprenticeship alongside her role, a testament to how effectively she managed her workload.
Learning beyond the day job
One of the aspects Ioana enjoyed most was the opportunity to gain exposure to areas of the business she hadn’t previously explored.
A memorable assignment focused on strategy and budgets, giving her the chance to meet with Amulet’s managing director and gain a greater understanding of the considerations involved in running a successful business.
“I had an assignment about strategy and budget, and I was very excited to have a meeting with our managing director and understand more about what is involved.”
Experiences like this helped Ioana build a broader perspective of the business and strengthened her understanding of how different functions work together to achieve shared goals.
The importance of support
When reflecting on her apprenticeship journey, Ioana is quick to recognise the support she received along the way.
From her line manager and learning and development team to colleagues across multiple departments, she credits much of her success to the encouragement, advice and guidance available throughout the programme.
“I am very lucky to work in such an amazing company and have had support from so many people. Everyone was there when I needed help or guidance.”
For Ioana, this support network made a significant difference, helping her navigate challenges, build her confidence and stay motivated.
An achievement worth celebrating
After months of hard work and commitment, the moment she had been working towards finally arrived.
Receiving the news that she had achieved a distinction was a moment she won’t forget.
“I was in the office when I got the call and I was properly jumping with happiness. Everyone was looking at me!”
It’s a reaction that perfectly captures what the achievement meant to her and reflects the effort she invested throughout the programme.
Looking ahead
Although the apprenticeship has now ended, the learning certainly hasn’t. Ioana continues to apply her new skills in her role, particularly in supporting recruitment activities and managing her time effectively. More importantly, the experience has given her the confidence to continue developing herself professionally.
“I want to continue to grow, continue learning and get where I want to be. I’m already researching what apprenticeship I can do next.”
Her enthusiasm for learning is clear, and she views the apprenticeship not as the end of a journey but as the beginning of the next chapter.
A message for others
Ioana’s story demonstrates that apprenticeships can provide valuable opportunities at any stage of a career. They offer the chance to develop new skills, gain recognised qualifications and build confidence, all while continuing to work and contribute to the business.
Her experience shows that while the prospect of balancing work and study can feel challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Through patience, hard work and determination, Ioana achieved a distinction and gained skills that will continue to support her throughout her career.
Congratulations, Ioana, on this fantastic achievement. Your commitment to learning, development and personal growth is something to be incredibly proud of, and an inspiration to others considering taking the apprenticeship route.
