On the right path
Melissa Fry began her Apprenticeship with Somerset Skills & Learning and Appletree Nursery taking the Childcare route. Melissa loves her apprenticeship, everyday is different. Melissa explains: “The Apprenticeship’s great because it provides me with the right environment to learn – whether training is on or off the job.“ “I am also enjoying the benefits of learning as I earn and I am really proud to have gained employment since starting my Apprenticeship.”
“I chose Somerset Skills & Learning’s Childcare Apprenticeship because the programme offered me so much more than sitting in a classroom.” Melissa’s ambition is to progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship.
Keen to progress
James Mitchell-Cassell decided to stay in full time education and after achieving 3 A-Levels, was still unsure about his career. An apprenticeship advert caught his eye and his future was sealed. James now works for Somerset County Council in the Business Development department. James said: “There are strong benefits in joining an apprenticeship compared to a classroom based option. I didn’t want to do ‘just’ an admin course; I wanted to be an apprentice that allows you to work independently within a working environment, giving you first hand experience.” James is a lot clearer now about his future and is thankful to Somerset Skills & Learning for their support. James’ plan is to progress with Somerset County Council to a senior level.
A great start
Aaron has successfully completed his qualification in performing manufacturing operations working with a local builder. He has undertaken a wide range of work, including assembling kitchens, building extensions and creating garden features, ponds, decking and patio areas. Aaron was unsure at first what he wanted to do but felt he would like to be in a practical environment. He has helped his employer in a wide range of roles learning numerous aspects of the building trade. He has also learnt how to deal with customers and the importance of good communication and working relationships.
Aaron said “just doing bits of different trades I did not think I could do an apprenticeship, but the PMO has been really good”. “It has allowed me to do a meaningful and recognised qualification and helped me to focus and decide what I want to do next”. Aaron has completed his technical certificate in Industrial environment awareness, his NVQ and his key skills. He has been able to take the knowledge from his training and use it effectively in the work place. The numeracy key skill has proven useful in calculating costs and resources on site.
Aaron has enjoyed his work and is hoping to undertake an apprenticeship in carpentry as the next step in his development.
Confidence Boost
Holly studied for her NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care at Dunster Lodge in Minehead, West Somerset. Holly says, “I found the apprenticeship route with Somerset Skills & Learning a really enjoyable way of completing my qualifications. When we met fortnightly I made lots of friends and had a lot of support from my tutor. It was also very easy to make contact with her outside of my training day, which I found beneficial and helped me to progress quicker.” Holly’s apprenticeship has helped her to develop her personal skills and knowledge, which has built her confidence and self esteem. Holly is now competent at Level 2 and is undertaking Level 3, which will enable her to take on a more senior role and have much more responsibility.
