Q&A with Former Apprentice Teaching Assistant, Lisa Foster from Rochdale Borough Council at Lower Place Primary School.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? What were you doing previously?

I chose to do the apprenticeship because I wanted to achieve more and I knew that I wanted to work with children. I am really good with children. Before I did the apprenticeship, I worked as a textile machinist and have done this since leaving school.

What skills or other qualifications have you developed whilst on your apprenticeship?

I have gained skills in how to support child development, including how to support and work with SEN children.

I have gained knowledge of policies and procedures including Safeguarding and Prevent.

Maths Level 2 Functional Skills

English Level 2 Functional Skills

Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship

Q&A with Apprentice Engineer, Lucy from NEMA Ltd

What were you doing prior to your Apprenticeship?

Before starting my Apprenticeship, I came straight from high school. My primary goal wasn’t an Engineering Apprenticeship though as I started in an Accountancy work placement in an Engineering firm and I realised I didn’t want to be in the offices, I wanted to be in the Engineering workshop as I was more suited to a practical environment.

Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?

I wanted to be able to earn money whilst also gaining practical experience and wanted to learn from people who were already in the industry rather than just sitting in a classroom, learning the theory behind Engineering. It has helped me to develop a lot of different skills such as how to use the machines, how to do winding, and all sorts of useful skills that I use in my day-to-day job role.

What other skills are you hoping to learn while on your Apprenticeship?

Shelley came to Rochdale Training to study Functional Skills Maths at Level 2.

Her previous experience of Maths was not a good one and despite her outgoing and bubbly personality it was clear to see that she was not looking forward to having to work through all the topics involved and sit the exam at the end of the course.

Despite her fears and reservations, she attended every class, was always focused and worked hard to understand each different method, formula and technique required.

At the end of the course, Shelley took her Level 2 Maths exam and unfortunately didn’t achieve it, which was a real blow to Shelley’s confidence, explaining afterwards she did say that she was ready to give up.

Shelley’s Maths tutor Peter Thomas said “After speaking to Shelley at length I managed to convince her to try again, and so she did. She attended more classes, showed determination and focus and continued to work hard.