We love our International Team! They’re an incredibly hard working bunch and they’ve supported Norfolk businesses throughout the intracies of Brexit and the difficulties of the pandemic, and all with complete calm and reassurance (and lots of tea and hobnobs)! We grabbed five minutes with our new apprentice Ethan Saunders-Johnson to chat about his apprenticeship… What were you doing before you joined the Norfolk Chambers? My last job before joining the International team at the Norfolk Chambers was working as a First Responder for a Private Ambulance Service, which Provided me with a vast array of skills I can put to use here and further develop at the Norfolk Chambers. However, between these jobs I had a 2 month period of unemployment. The first month was for me to recuperate from the non-stop hours I was working at my previous job to prepare myself for my next venture into a new career, as I believe avoiding burnout and knowing your own limitations are key to success. The second month was to ensure that I only took a job offer if I believed that it was the perfect fit for me, and not to compromise on my future. During these months off I further studied Business fundamentals, Market structure, NFT’s & NFT marketplaces and Interpreting balance sheets to aid in my stocks, shares and cryptocurrency trading which I used, and continue to use, to avoid using savings to cover bills. What was interesting/attractive to you about working within the International Trade department? The International Trade Department piqued my interest due to the level of attention to detail required for the role, and as a perfectionist I am excited for the challenge to keep my skills sharp. It’s a complicated area with a huge amount of training needed – what do you think will make you great for the role? I’m an ambitious person, sometimes too ambitious, but I believe that if we all strive for perfection we can achieve greatness. I am keen to face this challenge head on to further develop my skills and knowledge in my repertoire. Every Chamber Member has their own Trading Card and ‘name’ – yours will be created soon and your photos booked, is there a name you’d love to have? This is something I have to think about – I love the idea and I will have to ask the team for their input! What will be your Christmas party tipple? Either a sweet and refreshing fruity cider or a warming rioja. What are you looking forward to in 2022? I am looking forward to achieving my BCC Certification, completing my apprenticeship and continuing my personal and professional development to establish a secure foundation upon which to build my career. Ethan will be in expert hands, as he joins Julie Austin,our International Quality Manager and Sam Martin, who recently passed his own apprenticeship and is now our International trade Co-ordinator. We are all really looking forward to working with Ethan, and watching him get stuck in to his apprenticeship! Best of luck to you Ethan!
