Q&A with Former Health and Social Care Apprentice, Amie from Bluebird Care.

What were you doing before your Team-Leading qualification?

Before I started my Team Leading course, I completed my Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship with Rochdale Training. This gave me a good understanding of the industry while getting paid and gaining qualifications.

My role at Bluebird Care is Care Co-Ordinator, which I enjoy as every day is different. I had never considered doing an Apprenticeship previously, everyone has encouraged me and been supportive along the way.

What skills and other qualifications do you feel you developed while on your Apprenticeship?

I achieved my Level 3 Apprenticeship with a Distinction which is a huge achievement, and I am proud of myself for that because I feel sometimes, I lack confidence, but I persevered and got a good result in the end. In terms of skills, I learnt more about my job role as a whole, for example, learning to communicate with customers, with their families, sending professional emails, and my writing skills.

What challenges do you feel you had to overcome?

The biggest challenge for me was that our supervisor had just left so I had to take on a lot more responsibility whilst also completing my qualification. These tasks included rotas, supervisions in the field, doing reviews with our customers, assessments for new customers, reviews for care assistants and more.

Would you recommend Apprenticeships?

100%. I would definitely recommend an Apprenticeship, I think it is a great way to gain more knowledge and understanding of your job role but also it opens a lot of doors for different progression routes which a lot of places don’t really offer.

Do you recommend Rochdale Training?

Yes. I wouldn't have gone back to Rochdale Training for my Team Leading if it wasn’t for the support and guidance that I received whilst I was on my Apprenticeship.

I didn’t believe that I would come out with a good score, and then I finished with 2 Distinctions thanks to the help and support of Rochdale Training and specifically my former tutor Clare, she really pushed me through and helped me anytime I needed anything. I am now progressing even further and excited to see where my journey takes me.

Since you have progressed from your Apprenticeship to your Team Leading course how do you feel that is going so far?

I think it is going well! I am enjoying it a lot, it challenges me to take on things from a new, different perspective. It also gives me a chance to further improve the skills I have and opens doors for further progression here at Bluebird Care.

Do you feel the progression is suitable for you?

I do. The Level 2 Team Leading course is the perfect stepping stone for me to gain the experience I need, gain an extra qualification and prepare for my future progression opportunities. I would like to do my Level 4 Health and Social Care next.

Are you looking to start your journey to see what opportunities are out there for you? For more information on our Level 2 Team Leading course please visit: https://rochdaletraining.co.uk/node/444 or contact our Recruitment Team at 01706 631417 or recruitment@rochdaletraining.co.uk

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

What challenges do you feel you have overcome, whilst on your apprenticeship?

I have autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and developmental language disorder. These have all been challenges to me throughout my life, that have hindered me from being able to achieve anything prior to coming to Rochdale Training. When I was at school, learning needs were not recognised or supported and so I was always just left to get on with it, without any proper support.

How was Rochdale Training as your training provider?

The best. I feel that Rochdale Training has supported me in all aspects of my learning. It's like they have just understood and accepted me for who I am. It has felt nice to be able to talk about the support I need and actually get that support. Also, it is nice that Rochdale Training acknowledges that everyone can achieve, no matter what their difficulties are.

Would you recommend apprenticeships?

Yes – It's good because you learn on the job, whilst being paid. You can also get your maths and English at the same time. I think apprenticeships are the best way to get a qualification.

Would you recommend Rochdale Training?

Yes – As mentioned above. Rochdale Training has a very supportive team who care about people who want to do better for themselves.

A quote from you about how you felt your apprenticeship went/how you feel about it

My apprenticeship has been life-changing for me and my family. I have gained skills and knowledge that I have for life and I have gained my maths and English, which takes away barriers for me when applying for jobs in the future.

Lisa’s Tutor Charlotte Baron said: “When Lisa came to Rochdale Training, she commented that if she left Rochdale Training with one certificate, it would be one more than she has ever had.

She has left us with 5 certificates and has been offered a permanent role at the school. She has worked so hard and been so determined to do well, she has done herself proud.”

Are you looking to start your Apprenticeship journey? Check out all of our current Apprenticeship  vacancies at: https://www.rochdaletraining.co.uk/apprenticeships or contact our Recruitment Lead Nathan Finn at 01706 631417 or nfinn@rochdaletraining.co.uk

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?

I am hoping to keep developing my winding skills further and become an expert in the field. Along with this, I’m also hoping to work on my soft skills such as my confidence although I do feel I am more confident talking to new people, and I would still like to develop a few more personal skills.

How is Rochdale Training as your Training provider?

Great! When I come to the workshop I never feel uncomfortable, I feel like I can get the best of out my learning experience and I have never had any issues whilst I have been with Rochdale Training. I feel as though it is a better environment for me rather than a college as even though I am not at work, I am still learning practically in the workshop, rather than at a desk in a classroom environment.

Would you recommend Apprenticeships to other people?

Absolutely. Not only is it a great way to get a step in the door of a workplace and the industry you want to progress into but you also learn lots of different skills and get paid while working and learning.

Would you recommend Rochdale Training to other people?

Yes. As mentioned earlier I have never had any problems and I am happy and comfortable with them as my Training provider so I would definitely recommend them to other people.

Are you looking to start  your Apprenticeship journey? Check out all of our current Apprenticeship  vacancies at: https://www.rochdaletraining.co.uk/apprenticeships or contact our Recruitment Lead Nathan Finn at 01706 631417 or nfinn@rochdaletraining.co.uk