Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to have a successful career, earn a wage and develop industry specific skills that can open new doors for career progression.
This is what Rebecca has found after completing a Level 5 Children, Young People and Families (Residential) Apprenticeship at Stockton Riverside College.
Quite the academic, Rebecca completed an undergraduate degree in Early Years Studies some 10 years ago at university. This degree gave her the skills to support children up to age eight. She then pursued another qualification in business and gained top marks amongst her peers.
It was Rebecca’s passion for the industry which saw her move into employment in supported accommodation five years ago. In her work, Rebecca supports young people up to age 18, and this required an additional qualification.
Knowing that the prospect of going back into education can be daunting and there can be some difficulties to balance work and studies, Rebecca acknowledged the support she had both from her employer and from the college made this achievable.
“The apprenticeship was very flexible. If something came up, like Ofsted, my tutor understood that this was priority. Similarly, early on in my apprenticeship I found myself falling behind, but when I spoke to my boss about this, she allowed me to take the study days I needed to catch up.”
Reflecting on the delivery of the course, Rebecca said: “I knew attending college in person would give me accountability to turn up and do the work in comparison to doing it online. I feel my work was done at a higher standard and I would recommend it to others.”
There is no question that Rebecca was working at a high standard, having gained a distinction overall in her apprenticeship.
When asked about her favourite parts of the course, Rebecca told us: “I was interested in learning about the laws and legislation for areas I don’t cover in my workplace, such as restraint laws. Additionally, gaining more awareness of the Youth Justice System and trauma-based responses has helped me to understand the background some young people may have had when they move into our supported accommodation.”
If you are thinking about going back into education and would like to find out more about apprenticeships, email recruitment@the-etc.ac.uk or call 01642 865 557.
