A Month in the Life of Our Apprentice: Adam Cunningham

Hi, I’m Adam Cunningham, an 18-year-old fresh out of school, and I’ve recently joined Pinnacle Growth Group (PGG) as an apprentice through Work Plus. While continuing my A-level studies, I was fortunate to secure this role, but I must admit I felt nervous at first. Most of my peers are heading off to university, and I wondered if I had chosen the right path. However, my concerns quickly vanished once I started working here.

The first week was all about immersion. I was introduced to the team, the company’s mission, and a lot of new concepts that initially seemed overwhelming. But soon, it all began to make sense. Each week kicks off with a team meeting where we discuss ongoing projects, goals, and strategies. During those early weeks, these meetings helped me find my footing and understand my role within the company.

I also jumped into training sessions on tools and software used for project and customer relationship management. The learning curve was steep, but the supportive environment at PGG made it much easier to navigate. By my second week, I started transitioning from learning to participating. I shadowed my mentor during client calls and meetings and got hands-on with project management software.

By the third week, I was given more responsibilities, handling small projects independently—like putting together a PowerPoint proposal, managing administrative tasks, and even emailing clients. Although this was a bit nerve-wracking, it was also incredibly exciting. The constructive feedback from my mentor helped me refine my approach and build my confidence for future interactions.

As the month came to an end, I took time to reflect on my journey. I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of the consulting and business management world, improved my administrative skills, and built meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients. The support I’ve received from the PGG team has been crucial to my growth, and I already feel like an integral part of this well-coordinated team.

Being an apprentice at PGG is a blend of learning, challenges, and personal development. Whether it’s shadowing a call or completing independent tasks, every experience adds a new layer to my understanding of the business. As I move forward with the reminder of my placement, I’m eager to take on more challenges and contribute to the continued success of the company.

Quote from Robert McConnell, Managing Director at Pinnacle Growth Group: “Apprenticeships play a critical role in building the future of our business. They offer young professionals like Adam the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while developing key skills in a supportive environment. We are delighted to have Adam on board, and it’s been fantastic to see his growth in such a short time. His enthusiasm and dedication are already making a positive impact, and I’m confident that his contributions will only continue to grow as he progresses in his career.”

About Work Plus Programme

Work Plus is a programme that connects employers and apprentices in Northern Ireland, offering a variety of sectors for young people to explore, from engineering and IT to healthcare and business. The initiative aims to create pathways for apprenticeships by simplifying the application process, supporting skills development, and bridging the gap between education and employment. Employers benefit by recruiting skilled talent and growing their workforce. Learn More here: https://www.workplus.app