From Surviving to Thriving
Article by Antonia Sheppard,
Research, Policy and Practice Assistant, CSD
I decided to start an apprenticeship after an unsuccessful first
semester at university which made me question why I was there and
if it would actually benefit me. After further research on
the course I was studying I realised it was not necessarily
something that employers would perceive as valuable and that, as
far as I was concerned, I would be wasting three years of my life.
After deciding to leave university I realised I needed to find an
alternative route to a successful career. This is when I discovered
apprenticeships.
Finding a new path
I
started to look at vacancies on the National Apprenticeship Survey
website; it was here that I found a training provider called
Redwood Skills, offering apprenticeships and advanced
apprenticeships in business and administration, customer service,
engineering and many other subjects. After applying I was invited
to an information session to learn more. Once I had successfully
signed up I was constantly sent correspondence about new
apprenticeship opportunities.
Although I was eventually successful, I found
the whole experience of looking for alternative options daunting,
as there was not much assistance available on making the decision
to leave university, despite the fact that there are many students
out there who have had a similar experience.
After an interview at City & Guilds Centre for Skills
Development (CSD) I secured an advanced apprenticeship. I have now
been here for almost 10 months. I have learned so much and been
involved in so many different work activities including
participation in projects, supporting important events,
publications, preparing presentations and writing personal case
studies. The involvement in the team has made me realise exactly
where I excel and what I could be stronger in. A good example of
this is when I realised how important it is to have a healthy
balance between work and study. Keeping on an even keel between
these two demands proved to be challenging at times. I have an
assessor provided by Redwood Skills to ensure I finish my advanced
apprenticeship. I also have a line manager who helps me to manage
my work. Moving from an academic environment to suddenly working 30
hours a week (9am-4pm) was overwhelming at first but became easier
to handle as the weeks went by.
Antonia working
at the launch event of CSD's Roots to work research
project
Long-term benefits
This experience has
made me realise how much more I prefer work-based training to being
in academic education. This is because of the long-term benefits
that it holds, such as gaining substantial experience in working in
a professional environment, becoming more employable and constantly
developing knowledge and skills that can be utilised in other
environments.
Reflecting back on the past year I feel this has been a really
positive learning experience for me and for my team. I am very
grateful to have had some great opportunities handed to me. One
opportunity that has remained throughout my apprenticeship is
always having the chance to get my voice heard. I found this
extremely valuable as did members of my team as it enabled them to
look at issues from a learner’s point of view, and I was listened
to, making me feel a valued team member. As a result, I felt more
confident and able to contribute. I feel the ability to make their
opinions heard and become more vocal is very important to
apprentices/learners as it provides them with the support they need
to thrive in a professional environment.
Comments
Hi Antonia, I really enjoyed reading your personal account of work
based learning and how important that it was to you and your
current role. The realisation that you made that academic learning
was not your preferred learning method, will be an invaluable
aspect of understanding yourself for future learning and study
opportunities. As a Vocational teacher working In Melbourne,
Australia I am always interested in getting insights into work
based learning programs and those who benefit from them. Now
keep looking for the next course that will help you into the
future. Learning opportunities are endless! Well done!
Deborah Mullan
VET and LLN Consultant
Training Th@t Works [01/04/2012, 07:04 am]
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