From beauty to business – Level 3 Business Apprentice, Ellie, shares her passion for the housing sector

Ellie Gill was studying beauty therapy before she switched career paths.

“I didn’t like the idea of full-time education or university and thought an apprenticeship would suit me best.”

Ellie, who is currently working at Mortgage Advice Bureau, said her role often consists of 

chasing lenders and solicitors for updates on current and new cases that the mortgage advisors have submitted to a lender. 

“We liaise with our clients from the application being submitted right until completion takes place with the solicitors. Our aim is to ensure our clients have great customer service throughout the process and are stress free in a time that can be quite difficult.”

Ellie also said she supports the customer support team twice a week. 

“This often ranges from calling leads that have come through to us through our linked estate agents or a general enquiry through the office. I book these appointments for the mortgage advisors, making their life a lot easier, whilst creating business for the company. 

On her job and team

Ellie, who says there has been a number of highlights during her apprenticeship including building relationships with clients, also added that her team have been very supportive particularly during the pandemic.

“My team at Mortgage Advice Bureau have been really supportive throughout my apprenticeship. The director, Andrew Milnes, the Customer Support team and the advisors are always at the end of the phone if I have any questions. Everyone is always helping me look for opportunities to progress my career further and to potentially be a mortgage advisor myself in the future.

“There have definitely been some challenges as a result of the pandemic, which knocked everything back in the housing market and during that time it was stressful for us and our clients however, we made sure every single one of our clients knew we were there, even if it was just for a chat!”

On apprenticeships

Ellie encourages those thinking about their next steps to consider an apprenticeship as she believes it is ‘life-changing’.

“Apprenticeships have taught me that you can progress in your career even while you are still studying. Earning money is also a bonus as you only have your job and college to focus on. You also get plenty of time to do this work so you aren’t having to do it in your own time.”

Looking to the future

Ellie says she hopes to progress and eventually become a mortgage advisor one day.

“I really enjoy being able to build relationships with our clients during the biggest purchase they are most likely ever going to make. It’s rewarding when you get positive feedback from a client especially when it’s the whole team that has worked on the case, it makes our job worthwhile and I look forward to doing this long term.”