Success stories
Success stories
Chloe
"I originally enrolled in the apprenticeship program because I could work, earn, and learn without it effecting my family life."
Why did you enrol on the apprenticeship program?
I originally enrolled in the apprenticeship program because I could work, earn, and learn without it affecting my family life. Through experience, I know that young adults and adults have a better understanding of how to fulfil their job role better if they have worked in that environment and learnt their chosen career through 'learning on the job.'
What attracted you to this route of learning?
Being able to earn and learn was a big factor for me. Earning, learning a new skill, and eventually having new qualifications and experiences at the end of it is what attracted me the most.
How have you found this experience?
The experience has been very fulfilling. I have learnt new skills in an area that I knew nothing about. Due to learning through an apprenticeship at preschool, I feel like I have found a career I love, and I am confident that I would be a good asset to any company that I work for due to learning through experience and having been taught by people with years of experience in this role.
My journey…
My youngest daughter was 5 months off leaving preschool when they put a sheet up asking parents if they would like to stay and play on the odd occasion. I put my name down for one of the days. After my first day of staying with my daughter in preschool, I found myself doing as many stay-and-play sessions as I could because I really enjoyed being a part of the everyday running of the preschool.
Then the preschool started advertising for staff. I asked what I would need to do to be able to go into this and was told that I would need a Level 3 in Early Years Childcare. We spoke about doing an apprenticeship, I started the following September and completed 12 months later. During the year, I gained lots of experience and was able to learn through the staff experiences. I felt grateful that I had four teachers and four lots of different experiences I could learn from. A few months after finishing my Level 3, my manager approached me about doing my Level 4. I completed this within the year with the support of all the staff members at the preschool.
Aspirations…
I spent three years at preschool, and they have given me the knowledge and experience to move into another area of childcare that I have always been interested in. I now work looking after vulnerable children—supporting children in foster care whilst they have contact with their families and looking after children that live in an outreach centre whilst they wait for foster placement.
I will forever be grateful to everyone at preschool for supporting and guiding me through my learning; learning that has allowed me to achieve being in a job role I have always wanted to do.
Sam
"Stepping Stones Preschool looked at an apprenticeship with the Early Years Alliance. I was accepted to do the Level 3. I had a great tutor, who was very supportive and thorough."
I will start by telling you that all three of my children (now 11 years and 9 year old twins) went to Stepping Stones Preschool, I was on the committee throughout their time there, even as treasurer for a short time. The preschool were looking for new staff members and I expressed an interest but said unfortunately I did not have any relevant qualifications. I worked in domiciliary care prior to my children being born.
Fortunately for me, the manager at the time welcomed me on to bank staff. I enjoyed the job and was keen to train. Stepping Stones Preschool looked at an apprenticeship with the Early Years Alliance. I was accepted to do the Level 3. I had a great tutor, who was very supportive and thorough. The deputy manager became my mentor at work and she really encouraged me throughout the apprenticeship, helping me to extend my ideas. I completed my training in 2019. I also became a SENCo for preschool, this role has been both rewarding and challenging.
In November 2021, I was offered the job of deputy, a role I took seriously and really wanted to prove myself and support my manager. By February 2022, the lead practitioner had accepted a job in a nearby preschool. I was encouraged by all the staff to go for the job as lead practitioner. After having an interview, I was offered the job. I have just completed my first half term as Lead, and I have found it the most challenging yet fulfilling job I have ever had.
I have got great staff behind me and some that have even come out of retirement to join the team again. I am learning things every day and hope to be able to be the best I can possibly be.
Sam Lealman, Stepping Stones Pre-School