In
late 2009, aged 18, I decided to leave University for personal reasons. From
here, I decided to apply for an NVQ through the Shropshire Council after
meeting with my local connexions officer and digging through my options on what
to do next.
After a meeting with my advisor at the council
where I was interviewed thoroughly, I left my trust within the team’s hands to
find my suitable placement, waiting anxiously to hear back from them.
Just before the New Year, I received the good
news that I had an interview with a local environment consultancy within the
town. During the interview, I had to show off my computer skills by searching
for appropriate travel and accommodation as requested.
From here, I was asked if I could work a week
in January within the consultancy to see if I fit the job criteria. I really
enjoyed this week as it gave me a real insight into what the job entailed,
along with meeting and conversing with some of the staff.
Before the week ended, I was delighted to be asked if I would
like to join the team and work on a 9 to 5 basis receiving a weekly Apprentice wage whilst
completing the NVQ in Business Administration.
From January to September that year, I worked Monday to Friday whilst attending college once a fortnight. An assessor also visited me every
few weeks at the office to check my progress and to helped me to complete my NVQ.
This was done through recorded conversations, observation, gathering evidence,
presentational tasks and knowledge questionnaires.
Within this time, my job equipped me with the
correct skills to progress within my job role as administrative assistant and
supporter to the Green Achiever scheme through communicating with others which
has built up my confidence. I also developed my organisational skills, writing and researching technique and
time keeping capability.
Since completing my NVQ and achieving a pass
at level 2, I was asked to stay on in the office part time for two days a week whilst attending Wolverhampton University studying a Media and
Communications degree. I have just finished my second year, achieving a high
mark and I am due to start my third and final year in September.
The Apprenticeship programme gave me a great
insight into the world of work and provided me with a job role which was very
interesting, varied and challenging. The process also helped me prepare for the
commitment and maturity needed to go to University and I am thoroughly enjoying
the experience.
I recommend the NVQ Apprentice scheme to any young person who is interested in finding a job. The experience gained is valuable and will help you develop within the workplace in the future. I'd like to thank E4environment and the Green Achiever team for the opportunity to demonstrate my credentials and would recommend this company to anyone in the future.
Check out the Green Achiever Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/greenachiever
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