Meet Joshua Potts – People and Recruitment Coordinator at Agena for – National Apprenticeship Week.
At Agena, we’re committed to investing in future talent, and apprenticeships play a key role in that journey. By combining practical experience with formal qualifications, we offer ambitious individuals the chance to develop their skills while making a real impact in the business.
One of those individuals is Joshua Potts, who joined us as a People and Recruitment Coordinator Apprentice with a passion for HR and a drive to learn. Opting for an apprenticeship over traditional study routes, Joshua was keen to gain hands-on experience in HR while working towards his qualification—and he’s already making great strides in his role.
From supporting key HR functions to learning about best practices in recruitment and people management, Joshua’s journey so far has been both challenging and rewarding. In this exclusive Q&A, he shares insights into his apprenticeship experience, the skills he’s developing, and how his time at Agena is preparing him for the future.
Q: What led you to choose an apprenticeship at Agena over other options?
“I wanted a career change where I could gain hands-on experience while working towards a qualification. When I saw the opportunity at Agena, I knew it was the right fit for me.”
Q: Can you describe a typical day in your apprenticeship role?
“No two days are the same! My apprenticeship is a mix of on-the-job and off-the-job learning. Some days I’m attending learning sessions or working on coursework, while others I’m gaining practical HR experience.”
Q: What’s one skill you’re proud to have mastered during your time here?
“I’m enjoying learning the theory behind HR practices and how they are applied in real-world settings.”
Q: How do you feel this apprenticeship is helping you prepare for your career?
“The variety of experience I’m gaining in my department is invaluable. I’m learning about different areas of HR while also applying that knowledge to practical situations.”
Q: What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far, and how did you overcome it?
“At first, balancing coursework with work responsibilities felt overwhelming. But I’ve learned to manage my time effectively, and all my experience counts toward the apprenticeship.”
Q: What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received during your apprenticeship?
“The best advice was to work on assessments as you go, rather than leaving it all to the last minute. I’ve also received a lot of support from my manager, team, and Rebecca, plus helpful networking tips from the Agena Ascend sessions.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next few years after completing your apprenticeship?
“After completing my apprenticeship, I look forward to using my new skills to contribute to the People Services Team and would be interested in further development opportunities.”