What made you want to do an apprenticeship?
“I was made redundant from my work and was at a loss as to what to do. I didn’t want to keep going from job to job. I wanted to do something with my life. My sister said to me, ‘Why don’t you do an apprenticeship?’ I didn’t know that apprenticeships were available for the likes of me, I thought they were just for school-leaver children.
I looked online and saw Showcase, so I sent an enquiry email and, within the space of ten minutes, I received a phone call. They asked me questions and gave me information about Showcase and the apprenticeships they had available. I liked the idea of doing an apprenticeship, as well as gaining qualifications, you’re learning on the job and getting an income at the same time.”
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What is a typical day in the life of an apprentice?
“A typical day in the life of an apprentice would be that no day is ever the same! Every day is different, full of different activities. Expect to be covered in paint, mud, sand, and sticky hands! It’s very hands-on, and I honestly sometimes feel like a child myself, playing with the children.
I love teaching them games I used to play as a child, watching them listen as you explain how to do something, and watching them take on board everything you have told them.”
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How do you manage your time between coursework and work?
“I’m very lucky that I have a supportive husband and son, who allow me at the weekends to study and work on my assignments (it’s my ‘get-out-of-taking-my-son-to-football’ card!). Work has been brilliant and I have allocated ‘study time’ before I start work to catch up on coursework. My colleagues are fantastic, always available to answer any questions I have and to help with any questions relating to an assignment. They give me tips and help in any way they can.
My tutor Laura has been amazing, always at the end of the phone to answer any questions I have and always giving me encouragement whilst letting me know how well I’m getting on. Laura always makes me feel at ease and always offers me helpful advice if I’m unsure about anything.”
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What is your favourite part of working in Early Years?
“My favourite part of working in the Early years would be seeing the children everyday. I love walking into nursery and the children see you and run over shouting ”Lorna, Lorna’ rushing to give you a cuddle and to show you what they are doing.
I love seeing the children progress, learning and enjoying what they are doing. If you teach them to do something, like zip up their coats, I get such a sense of accomplishment and pride in seeing the children doing things for themselves, knowing that I had a small part in them learning to do that.”
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Are there any challenges?
“Of course there is, it’s the same with any job. Trying to get motivated sometimes, after a busy week at work, knowing you have coursework to do. Sometimes I think, ‘Noooo, let me have time to myself!’ But once I start and get into it, it’s fine, and I surprise myself sometimes in how much I can achieve to do.
Sometimes, if it’s been challenging at work or if a child doesn’t want to listen to you, it can make you feel a bit deflated and think, ‘Why bother?’ But you overcome these challenges and work through it, take a breather, and everything works out.”
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Do you have any tips or advice for someone interested in a career in Early Years?
“Don’t think that the early years is all about playing. It is, but there is a lot of responsibility involved. You are responsible for all those tiny humans, keeping them safe and to help them learn. Always be willing to learn and take advice from the practitioners, as they are pros and know exactly what should be. Take time for yourself to take it all in, not only are you teaching children, you’re teaching yourself to be the best that you can be.”