Real People Real Stories

 

Have you ever wondered what its like doing an apprenticeship or training course – or even being a trainee in a new job?

Have you ever considered that choosing the right subject can’t be done just by reading the course title, you need to know more and where better to hear it than from people like you who have taken the next step.

 

We will try to keep changing and adding to this collection of real life stories so keep checking for new additions. If you want to add your experience please get in touch with our editor at editor@opendoorsmedia.co.uk as we would love to hear from you but in the meantime read on and who knows, a subject or sector you may of never considered might be a lot more appealing than you ever thought.

Maria’s journey through the Childcare Advanced Apprenticeship

Maria Gosciej is originally from Poland and has lived in Doncaster for six-years. She works at the Waterbabies Nursery at Doncaster College while doing her apprenticeship. After getting a liking for working with children at a school she saw an advert for a position at the College nursery. She applied for it and got the post.

She loves working there and appreciates the opportunity to learn while you work that doing an apprenticeship has given her. She says, “It’s a great opportunity to gain academic qualifications as well as getting work based training and experience.”

Maria,who is 23, has nothing but praise for her work colleagues and says, “It’s easier to do my College studies as I have qualified people around me to help.”

She still has two years to go on her present qualification but in the future Maria wants to go onto University to do a degree in Childcare, possibly at the University Centre Doncaster at High Melton.

Interested into doing a course like Maria’s Level 3 Childcare Advanced Apprenticeship?
You can contact Doncaster College about apprenticeships by emailing apprenticeships@don.ac.uk
Or telephoning 0800 358 75 75

Kate Wallace learns in the Wild

Kate Wallace has been studying with BTCV Academy since October 2011. Luckily, her local group operates on a roll-on-roll-off basis so after discovering the course there was no need to wait until the following September to sign up.

Kate chose the NPTC Level 2 Diploma in Work-Based Environmental Conservation after embarking on a major change in career direction.

“Having sold my share of a retail business I decided to pursue the career in conservation I’ve always wanted. There’s something wonderful about being part of the great outdoors and contributing towards it.

“I realised this course was the ideal way to gain all the practical skills I would need to become a warden in the future.

“I’ve built bat boxes, created wildlife ponds and planted hedgerows, whilst becoming familiar with useful tools such as loppers, slashers and saws. I find the course very rewarding and always feel a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day.”

BTCV Academy delivers flexible, inclusive training programmes in Environmental Conservation, Horticulture and Land-Based Operations in over twenty locations throughout England. BTCV is fundamentally a learning organisation. We have over 50 years experience working with people, enabling them to develop their skills, through working in the environment. This skills base has allowed us to evolve into a learning organisation different from any other college or training agency, with practical learning at the heart of our style.

To find your nearest course, or for more information, contact NPT@btcv.org.uk or 01952 616 104.

Adam is diving into his new career

Adam Norton, aged 17, went to a local college to do painting and decorating courses, but after finishing his first year he was very disappointed and felt that it had not been the right choice. Adam was more interested in retailing and wanted a job, placement or apprenticeship, but felt like he didn’t know where to go.

His youth leader convinced him to come to an open day at Aspire-i last summer. Adam was not expecting much, but the Aspire2Work programme seemed to be so interesting that he decided to go on one of our courses straight away.

As a result of the programme, which helps to develop functional, practical, personal and social skills, he got an apprenticeship with a diving retailer in Bradford.

Adam compares the Aspire2work programme to college and stresses that it provides more practical exercises in a more welcoming and relaxing environment. Besides, he found one to one support very useful.

Adam says, ‘If I hadn’t contacted Aspire-i, I’d probably be home, unhappy, and doing nothing with my life. I’m glad I’ve done it, now I got more experience and gained new skills’. Adam is very happy that the programme grew his confidence and motivation.

Adam now knows that proper experience is really important when looking for a job. ‘My ultimate ambition is to open my own shop one day!’

To find out more about the FREE interesting courses we offer:
Call 01274 829400
Email a2w@aspire-i.com
Visit www.aspire-i.com
Or Like Aspire-i on Facebook

Get careers off to a great start

“In the current climate many very bright and capable students have taken the decision to train in a work environment.”

‘The AAT Apprenticeship has worked for our business and hopefully for our students and clients too,’ says Jill Wright, Director at Kirk Newsholme, an accountancy, taxation and business advisory practice based in Leeds. The firm employs 40 staff and normally takes on 3 new recruits per year with a 50% split of graduates and school leavers on the AAT apprenticeship programme. This year they took on two AAT apprentices.

‘We have benefited from the Apprenticeship route because in the current climate many very bright and capable students have taken the decision to train in a work environment. As a result we have been able to select the very best candidates.’

‘Our trainees are extremely well supported by BPP and the level 2 and 3 Accountancy training fits perfectly with the client work that they undertake in their day to day work.’

The two apprentices Katie and Jamie both left college with A levels. Katie says ‘I took the apprenticeship route because I felt it had much more to offer than going to University. It works perfectly for me as it provides a good balance between work life and learning. I think the level 2 provides the basics of accountancy and bookkeeping for those who are new to the subject.’

They are progressing well through their apprenticeship, attending the BPP centre in Leeds for one day per week. The other days are spent in the office or out at clients’ premises and are supported by senior members of staff, developing their technical skills, background knowledge and personal effectiveness.

Jamie was seriously considering going to University as he wanted to become an accountant but after being offered the job at Kirk Newsholme decided to start the apprenticeship. Jamie says, ‘The apprenticeship entailed fully paid study as well as a full time job, so not only would I be getting free education and job experience, I was going to earn money. As I aspired to be an accountant my business sense kicked in! My college experience at BPP has been superb with knowledgeable, supporting tutors easing me through the lectures.’

For more information new BPP Apprenticeships, visit bpp.com/apprenticeships
Or call London & Croydon: 0845 485 1770, rest of the UK: 0845 485 1771

Laura pursues her career goal

Laura Rodriguez has always dreamt of being in the Army. On leaving school she decided she would like to gain some qualification and experience in Business Administration, which will one day allow her to join the Army as a Military Administrative Clerk.

She applied to Babington for an Apprenticeship in Business and Administration, and after being accepted, Babington helped Laura to find employment as an Office Assistant at Marsh Bellofram.

Laura has been working for the company for two years now and in that time has successfully completed an Apprenticeship in Business Administration.

Laura really enjoys her job at Marsh Bellofram. She enjoys working as part of the team, and gets on well with her colleagues. She has progressed considerably since she began working for the company, and is now involved in sales, meetings and general administration duties.

Laura feels that undertaking the Apprenticeship has helped her progress in her career. She also knows that the experience and qualifications she has gained will assist her in achieving her career goal – working as an Administrator in the Army.

In addition to the Apprenticeship she undertook with Babington, Laura has also become an Adult Cadet Instructor in the Nottingham Cadet Force.

She is a member of the British Legion and has completed a BTECH 1st Diploma in Public Services, achieving a ‘Distinction’ grade. These qualifications will help Laura when she applies for her dream job!

For more information
Tel: 0845 605 6045
Email: info@babington.co.uk
Website: www.babingtonbusinesscollege.co.uk

A career that’s going places with Leeds College of Building

Apprenticeship gets Scott on the career ladder

At 19 years old, Scott Jones was an A-level student at Craven College and after his first year, he decided that this was not the right path for him.  With the help of the college’s Student Services team, Scott explored a few different options but decided that his real desire was to get practical experience in the workplace whilst continuing his education.  
“No employer, or very few, seem to want people with no experience and it seemed logical to me that an Apprenticeship gets you on the Career Ladder”
After an interview with an Apprenticeship Advisor at Craven College, Scott made the decision to go for a Business Administration Apprenticeship.  “Business Administration appealed to me because it offered a wide range of experience in various areas, allowing me to gain a variety of business skills without committing to a specific option”
Scott went on to gain employment with Virtual College, an on-line training provider in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.  After a trial period with the company, his employers and tutors identified that Scott had a lot of potential and was capable of doing more.  Scott agreed to the challenge and stepped up his responsibilities at work and took on a direct Advanced Apprenticeship.

“The course wasn’t like anything I had ever studied before as the work we covered was all related and focused on the things you do in your daily job. The style of the course eases you in to thinking in a more practical, business like way “

After he completed his Advanced Apprenticeship in September 2011, Scott was offered a permanent position with his employer and has now enrolled to do a Degree part-time with the Open University to continue his learning.
For more information on Apprenticeships with Craven College call 01756 693686
Or visit: www.craven-college.ac.uk

Apprentice becomes first in UK to be awarded City&Guilds Medal for Excellence in Gamekeeping

Nineteen-year-old Ben Garrick has become the first ever recipient of a prestigious City&Guilds Medal for Excellence in the subject of gamekeeping.

The Medals for Excellence programme recognises and rewards exceptional work by both learners and tutors through their contributions and efforts in the learning environment.

Although Ben, who comes from Metheringham in Lincolnshire doesn’t have a farming or gamekeeping background, he began his career beating on the nearby Blankney Estate.

“I started beating on the Blankney Estate and really liked it,” said Ben. “I wanted to do more. I loved being outdoors and I developed an interest in conservation, which of course is becoming more and more important.

“I decided I would like to pursue a career in gamekeeping and Bishop Burton College offered the course I wanted.”

Ben completed his apprenticeship last year and has since been working on the estate as under keeper. He was pleased to have been nominated for a Medal for Excellence.

He said: “I knew I had been put forward and I felt honoured. I was very pleased and proud when I found out I’d won the Medal – it feels like I’ve been rewarded for everything I’ve done.”

To find out more about Bishop Burton College and for details of all of our courses, contact us on:
 
Tel: 0800 731 82 81
Email: enquiries@bishopburton.ac.uk
www.bishopburton.ac.uk

Chesterfield College prepared Christopher for the world of work

Christopher Tye studied Professional Cookery at both Level 2 and Level 3 at Chesterfield College, and now holds the position of Second Chef at the renowned Nettle Inn based in Ashover, Derbyshire.

One element of his College education that Christopher holds dear is the time that he spent abroad as part of his course. “The College arranged for various work placements abroad so I visited areas in France such as Paris and Troyes as well as an amazing three-weeks in Eloise at the foot of the Rhone Alps region”, explains Christopher.

“Working in a restaurant there provided me with invaluable experience, not only of working in a professional kitchen but also of another culture and how it approaches food. Working in a professional kitchen in a foreign country gave me a fantastic sense of independence, building up my confidence a great deal.

“In a modern kitchen you have to be able to cope with certain amounts of pressure and the College definitely prepares you well for this world of work. In addition to the placements abroad we also catered for actual events, including various conferences at the Tapton campus and the grand opening of the Clowne campus, which again provided great experience.

I would recommend the college to anyone looking to get ahead in their chosen industry. Be sure to go on all of the trips offered by the College as they make such a difference to your, all I would say is be sure to write everything down whilst you’re there!”

For more information about courses at Chesterfield College visit www.chesterfield.ac.uk, call 01246 500500 or email advice@chesterfield.ac.uk

Hard work by apprentice ensures speedy success

Apprentice Daniel Carter has proven what hard work can achieve – completing his NVQ qualification at Leeds City College more than a year ahead of schedule, gaining an award and meeting a TV personality as a result.

20 year-old Daniel left school at 16 to start the four-year modern apprenticeship at Yorkshire-based company Airedale, which manufactures and distributes chillers and precision air conditioning equipment. Alongside his job in product development, he attended Leeds City College’s Technology Campus on day release, and achieved his qualification thirteen months ahead of schedule.

As a result, he was crowned Engineering  Advanced Modern Apprentice of the Year at the College’s 2011 awards ceremony in June – and received his prize from BBC Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd.

Daniel is one of six Leeds City College apprentices at Airedale, all praised for their high level of motivation and problem solving abilities. Director of Human Resources Steve Joyce says: “Daniel is a shining example and has shown exceptional motivation. His outstanding achievements have won him the praise of everyone at Airedale.”

Achieving qualifications is helping Daniel gain promotion within the company, and he is now studying a HNC in Mechanical Engineering, hoping to eventually progress to a Foundation Degree.

Tel: 0845 045 7275
www.leedscitycollege.ac.uk

Get Ahead of the Game

Askham Bryan College situated on the outskirts of York is offering the chance to study its Foundation Degree in Sports Surface Management at a greatly reduced rate if enrolled by 2011. Askham Bryan is a land based college on the outskirts of York and caters for all types of students and the Sports Surface Management course is no different. The College offers great flexibility to enable anyone to study in a way that suits them. This is achieved through full time or part time courses with constant support available from tutors. Jason Booth, Head Groundsman at Leeds Carnegie Stadium who graduated this year took time away from his job and committed 1 day a week to achieving his degree, he comments:
“Askham Bryan College offers flexibility and the tutors work with you and around my job…….there is a willingness to help you develop and reach your goals”.
The course is structured to give students both a practical and scientific background to manage turf grass to provide the best possible playing surfaces. This qualification is applied to all sports surfaces and at a time when jobs are uncertain and a degree is so important its worth considering having a qualification under your belt.
David Campbell section leader of Horticulture at Askham Bryan College adds, ‘The Sports Surface Management course is a great way to add a qualification to your profession. We have a friendly and dedicated team of staff available to give help and support when needed.’
To find out more about Askham Bryan College and the Foundation Degree in Sports Surface Management call 01904 227711 or email enquiries@askham-bryan.ac.uk.

Danny Broadbent – Welding Apprenticeship

Flying around the world and competing in international competitions… it may come as a surprise, but this is all down to a Power Sector Apprenticeship.

Danny Broadbent has successfully completed his Apprenticeship in Welding and is now working for Alstom at Kings North power station in Kent. Danny has carried out his Welding Apprenticeship over four years; one of them at college, with the remaining three working on site with the other Apprentices.

Recently returning from Portugal with a silver medal after competing in the International Welding Competition, Danny’s new skills have given him the opportunity to see the world and the flexibility to develop within his role. He plays a very important part in the future of power.

Danny works as part of a team of welders, in an encouraging environment, where everyone supports each other and where there is always someone around to offer advice and help if there are any problems.

“Day in day out everything tends to be different, it’s a good set of people you work with, with great managers who have taught me a lot. I’d recommend an Apprenticeship to anyone.” Danny Broadbent, Welder, Alstom

There are lots of Apprenticeships available in the Power Sector and there’s never been a better time to think about how you could get involved. The power sector offers you variety, career development and job security and relies on the innovation and hard work of people within it.

Be a part of it.

www.thinkpowersector.co.uk

Hollie sees the benefits of learning while you earn

Twenty three year-old Hollie Cook joined Sandburn Hall in York just over a year ago as an Assistant Restaurant Manager and she is now seen as a key mentor to newcomers entering the Apprenticeship training programme provided by Smart Training and Recruitment.

Hollie explained:
‘After finishing my Level 2 NVQ in Food and Drink at college, I decided that I wanted to find a job where I could put my skills into action so I applied for the job at Sandburn Hall. Within 2 months they signed me up on their Apprenticeship programme with Smart Training and Recruitment.’

Hollie mentors two of her staff, 19 year old Lucy Devonshire and Benedict Austin, who recently turned twenty. Both are thriving under her watchful guidance on the Apprenticeship programme with Smart Training, who offers a wide range of courses nationally, including Key Skills and several Hospitality qualifications. Hollie is very close to completing her Advanced Apprenticeship in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership Skills in September this year and is eager to begin the Advanced Apprenticeship in Management.

Sandburn Hall’s General Manager, Hayley Rees said:
‘We have a close working relationship with Smart Training and Recruitment and Smart’s Training Advisor, Nicki Clay has worked with us since we started offering Apprenticeships five years ago. Hollie is one of nine full apprenticeship achievers to date who has flourished through this programme and now provides hands on help to others entering the apprenticeship programme’.

Boasting a low staff turnover, Sandburn Hall’s general manager, Hayley Rees attributes this to the fact that they have a strong in-house training programme which enables career progression.

She explained:
‘By working with Nicky at Smart Training and Recruitment we are able to offer our employees structured learning alongside ‘on the job’ training. The business gains from a more qualified, dedicated team and the employee gains additional qualifications and career progression, it’s an all-round winning combination!’

Hollie Cook added:
‘From day one, I have been made to feel valued and part of the team at Sandburn Hall, I love it here and the feeling is almost contagious, new starters quickly see the benefits of learning while you earn!’

For more information contact:
Nicki Clay or Lisa Moule
Tel: 0330 088 0888 (local rate number) or direct dial 01924 253081
Email: apprenticeships@smarttar.co.uk
www.smarttar.co.uk
2 Otters Holt
Durkar
Wakefield, WF4 3QE

Ellen thrives on YMCA Apprenticeship

16-year-old Ellen joined YMCA Training Leeds on our Foundation Learning programme. She had attended the local high school where she developed behavioural issues, including arguing with teachers. All of this had a huge effect on Ellen’s GCSE results which were not as good as she had hoped for.

When she came for interview at YMCA Training she said that she wanted help to get a job in childcare and hopefully some qualifications. She had not done any work experience whilst at school so it was agreed that this would be a good place to start. She was very nervous about the interview and was not even sure if she would be good at working with children or not as she had issues with keeping her temper whilst at school.

Ellen managed to secure a nursery placement at Cherubs Kindergarten which was for four weeks’ work experience. Within the first week of her placement, she knew that it was what she really wanted to do. She was included by the placement in everything and they treated her like an adult and she thrived. At the end of her four weeks the nursery said Ellen was ‘best learner they had ever had’ and that they were going to employ her as an Apprentice and she began on YMCA Training’s Children’s Care, Learning and Development apprenticeship programme.

Ellen said: “I had always wanted to work with children but due to things not going so well at school, I thought I would never be able to do it. Now that I have got an apprenticeship and am proving myself, I feel very proud of my achievements.”

For more information Tel: 01295 252082 or visit www.ymcatraining.org.uk

Former apprentice gives a new opportunity

Hants Plumbing & Heating Services company director, Ed Davis, is a former ATL apprentice himself. After going on to set up his own business, his firm has gone from strength to strength, and its success had left him in need of some skilled support.

He naturally turned to ATL for assistance considering applicants through its apprenticeship programme, which ensures new recruits, are competent to work within 8 weeks of starting their training.

ATL found that some employers simply didn’t like the traditional apprenticeship mode of delivery and preferred to have a young person who had already demonstrated their aptitude and abilities in a controlled workshop environment before they arrived on-site. This way they are an asset to their business from day one
Ed Davis said: “Having been an apprentice with ATL myself, I already knew about the training and facilities it has available. The most

ppealing part of its accelerated learning programme is its flexibility and to be honest taking an apprentice is very affordable for a start-up company like mine. ATL is very approachable, and quickly sourced someone to fit my exact needs, which is great. I have also been able to mould and shape my apprentice from a relatively early stage into my way of working and thinking. This is essential to my business’ success reflecting my own high standards of customer service, quality and value for money.”

“For me not only does it make good business sense but as a former apprentice, I hope I can give something back by supporting a young person who is going through a similar process that I experienced when I was first learning my trade.”

Steve, Ed’s apprentice originally left school with the ambition of making his living working in I.T so he enrolled himself onto a local college course. However aged 17 and by the end of the first year he realised that computers really weren’t for him and the thought of being sat behind a desk for the rest of his life wasn’t so appealing after all.

Steve heard about apprenticeships as a career choice from a friend and with the added motivation of the ‘earn as you learn’ policy decided to apply.

Having started the apprenticeship was it a choice well made? – “Definitely, I now really enjoy doing a ‘hands on job’ where I can actually see the outcome of what I’ve done and I get real satisfaction from knowing that my works are appreciated. I take real pride in doing my job and am learning more every day.”

Steve realises that his apprenticeship with Hants Plumbing is a real opportunity to become a fully qualified gas engineer similarly his employer Ed Davis see’s Steve as a long term employee of the business with all the customer service ethic’s and skills required to take his company forward – it’s a win-win situation

For more information Tel: 0800 9753024
Or visit www.apprenticeshiptraining.co.uk

Grimsby Institute Apprentice heads to SkillPlumb

Twenty-year-old Tim Coney, a former student at Wintringham School in Grimsby, left his school to study A-levels at a local college but found that the academic route really wasn’t for him, as Tim explained: “I’ve always been really good with my hands and decided that I would like to try my hand at something different, so I applied to do a Plumbing course at the Grimsby Institute.  Within three weeks they had set me on an Apprenticeship with my current employer, Gaswise Heating Services.”

Tim has now been with Gaswise for 2 ½ years and is responsible for everything from servicing and boiler repairs to new builds and installation.  During a recent competition that was held during one of the Institute’s Open Events, Tim was chosen to represent their Plumbing Department at the HIP-EX Apprentice of the Year – Regional Heats, which were held at Middlesborough College. Tim continued: “The competition at Middlesborough was simpler than some of the work we’ve been doing with the Institute.  We had to do a competition rig, which entailed us installing pipework to a tolerance of 2-3mm.”

Tim came in 2nd Place, and his success in the competitions has seen him being nominated to enter SkillPlumb at Walsall College in June, a forerunner to WorldSkills 2011, which is taking place in London later this year and is an International competition where the best tradespeople are pitted against others from around the World.

“Working with Gaswise has given me site experience with a good foundation of skills, and the Institute and its staff have really polished those skills.  I feel like they’ve given me what it takes to compete against the best of the best.”

For more information contact:
Stuart Owen, Communications Officer
The Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education, Nuns Corner, Grimsby
Tel : (01472) 311222 ext : 1305
E-mail : howards@grimsby.ac.uk
www.grimsby.ac.uk

Jessica succeeded

Jessica Schofield has succeeded despite a series of setbacks. Jessica used to attend King Edward’s School in Sheffield until she became seriously ill with ME.

Jessica had to leave school just before taking her GCSEs. Suffering from extreme exhaustion and mental fatigue, Jessica studied at home.

When she felt better, she enrolled at Hillsborough College, part of The Sheffield College. Going to college was nerve racking at first, she recalls, because she had to start again and make new friends.

However she says it has been really good for her as the tutors were very supportive and encouraging, and she really enjoyed the college experience.

Jessica achieved three A Level grade As in biology, chemistry and psychology. She is now studying biomedical science at Kings College in London.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted with my results. My tip to other students is to listen to your tutors. They give good advice!”

www.sheffcol.ac.uk

Telephone 0114 260 2600.

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Jess makes career connection with telecoms apprenticeship

An engineering apprenticeship has opened up a whole new career path for Jess Paddison.

Jess, 22, from Hull, faced a highly competitive job market after training as an electrician, with many of her fellow job-seekers already having years of experience in the trade.

Then she responded to a call from Yorkshire and Humber Apprentice Training Agency (YHATA), which was recruiting apprentices for Hull-based phone and broadband provider KC.

“I saw the apprenticeship advertised on the internet and just had to apply, as I’ve always been interested in the technical aspects of telecoms,” says Jess, who is the only woman in the engineering department.”

Jess will combine her job at KC with an engineering course at Hull College, with support from YHATA throughout the two-year apprenticeship.

Jess is one of eight apprentices who started working at KC in November, in a variety of roles including data and systems analysis, publishing production and marketing.

YHATA faced the challenge of identifying a range of training providers and working with them to develop bespoke learning frameworks for each role.

YHATA director Jo Lomax says: “We worked closely with KC to source the appropriate courses for their apprentices, as the learning frameworks must be relevant to the host employers.

“With increased competition for graduate jobs, it has become more important than ever to offer viable and credible alternatives to university. We’re helping to keep skills in the area and increase career opportunities for young people, which is good news for everyone.”

Visit www.yhata.org

Call 01482 313470

Email yhata@hull-college.ac.uk