Name of Apprentice: Tyran-James (‘Ty’) Tubbs

Company: Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

Role: Apprentice Administrator – Engineering & Supply

Overview and Motivation

The RNLI, a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea in the UK and Ireland, operates independently from the government and Coastguard. Since 1824, it has been funded primarily by donations, providing search and rescue services in support of HM Coastguard.

Since leaving school, Ty's education was focused on film and television. He completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth and a master’s degree immediately after the lockdown due to the pandemic. With the film industry hit hard after the pandemic, he found his skills were not widely applicable. To avoid continuing in retail customer service, he sought an apprenticeship in another field and joined the RNLI. Ty embarked on a 15-month Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship, from 5th September 2022 to 2nd January 2024.

Experience and Learning

Ty's apprenticeship provided unique opportunities, including joining sea trials for lifeboats and gaining a deeper understanding of the manufacturing and maintenance processes. A significant highlight was the experience of being on the lifeboats during sea trials. These trials were not only an enjoyable break from the office but also an educational experience, offering insights into the unique traits of different lifeboats and the rigorous testing they undergo.

He faced challenges due to organisational restructures influenced by external factors like the cost-of-living crisis and the pandemic, but he adapted and grew through these experiences. Learning to manage change quickly while still acclimating to a new role was difficult, but Ty’s resilience and adaptability saw him through these transitions. A key lesson Ty learned was stakeholder management, applying Clarkson’s principles to build positive relationships with internal stakeholders and new suppliers. This skill became crucial as he took on more responsibilities, including interactions with new suppliers and partner organisations.

A significant project Ty worked on involved overhauling the workwear management system in the All-Weather Lifeboat Centre (ALC). He created a new Excel document and dashboard, making data easier to navigate and interpret, resulting in smoother management and distribution of workwear. This project showcased his ability to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions that benefited the entire team. The new system he developed ensured accurate stock levels, streamlined ordering processes, and provided quick reference visual data through dashboards, greatly enhancing operational efficiency.

Ty used a daily task tracker in the office and weekly task lists for his coursework. Regular meetings with his training specialist helped him stay on track and address challenges promptly. His training specialist provided continuous support and encouraged Ty to have confidence in his abilities, significantly contributing to his success. These weekly interactions not only helped resolve queries but also built Ty’s confidence in his knowledge and skills, allowing him to excel in his role.

Skills Development and Career Progression

Throughout his apprenticeship, Ty developed strong communication skills, allowing him to confidently represent the RNLI. He also improved his ability to manage and analyse data. Ty’s commitment to learning and development led to his success, earning him a distinction upon completing his apprenticeship. His improved communication skills were demonstrated in his interactions with various stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective communication across different levels of the organisation.

Shortly before receiving his EPA results, Ty began working in a new section of Engineering and Supply, providing support to the Construction and Refit Office. He plans to explore opportunities in engineering and continue working at the RNLI, finding it an exciting industry. Ty intends to pursue studies in mechanical engineering to broaden his knowledge and open more career opportunities within the RNLI. His interest in engineering was sparked by his exposure to the All-Weather Lifeboat Centre and the engineers there, leading him to consider further education and training in this field.

Ty has now secured a permanent position in the RNLI as a Technical Assistant for the Construction and Refit Office as a reward for his hard work and his application of his new skills to his role.

Recommendations and Reflections

Ty advises those considering an administration apprenticeship not to be put off by the term "administration," as the role offers varied and exciting opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of a desire to learn and develop oneself. Ty highlights that the skills and qualification gained through the apprenticeship have allowed him to forge a career, something he couldn’t do previously. He emphasizes that it’s never too late to re-train or learn something new and encourages others to take the leap. He stresses the importance of embracing new opportunities and being open to learning, as these attitudes were crucial to his own success and satisfaction in the programme.