Why an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship as I like to learn hands-on so this was a great opportunity for me. I’ve always thought about an apprenticeship as it’s hands on and you learn so much from the people around you doing the job. I thought it would be the right way forward for me.
Tell me about your apprenticeship and what you love most about it?
I was so excited to start my apprenticeship. My apprenticeship has been such an amazing experience all the way throughout. I have learnt so much and especially from the amazing people around me. I love that I learn new things everyday. I love that once you’ve completed your apprenticeship you can go on to do so many things and learn even more things than you already know, you can go onto higher levels and learn more things about specific areas of the job e.g like SEN, that interest you. Throughout the apprenticeship I have been on lots of different training courses provided by Aspire and I’ve learnt so much from these which is great as this helps me in my role. I’ve also gained my Schema Play accreditation through my apprenticeship.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I’m proud of becoming so much more confident in my role and building good relationships with my key children, parents and colleagues. I am proud of becoming Scheme Play accredited. I am proud that I understand what I need to do in order to support some of my key children who are on IEPs. I am proud that I contribute to the children’s activities and displays.
In your opinion, what are the benefits of an apprenticeship?
In my opinion I believe there are lots of benefits to an apprenticeship. For example, like I said above, you’re learning hand on, which means you gain so much experience and learn from the people around you which is such a bonus in my Job. For example when I first started I was a bit unsure on how to deal with a child being frustrated or missing their parents / carers for example so I would always listen to the staff around me so I knew how to support and comfort the child at that time. You are able to gain even more experience through training which is provided for you to support you in your role. You also get paid whilst learning which is such a bonus whistle doing the job you want to do!
What skills have you developed during your time as an apprentice?
The skills I have developed through my apprenticeship have been working as a team and in partnership with parents. Good and clear communication, more independence and using your initiative. Contribution in discussions with staff members and parents e.g in room meetings or staff meetings.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What are your future plans and aspirations?
I see myself gaining a bit of experience in each type or role there is in the nursery. I see myself going on to do higher levels and learning more about SEN and then doing a 1:1 , also being a room leader in the future. Also maybe go on to train others like an assessor once I gain more knowledge. I also want to do lots more sign language and do it fluently.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Go for it 100%! If you take an apprenticeship as a career you want to do, it is such an amazing opportunity. You will learn so much and different life skills in general. You will also have so many different people around you that are willing to help and support you. The way I’ve always looked at it is that you learn so much quicker and from experience being there instead of being just in a classroom. Definitely just go for it!
