NCFE apprenticeship helps young mum get into teaching

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 8, 2012 -- Lisa, 32, from Kirkby in Liverpool, is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week (6-10 February) after completing her studies with Training Days Consultancy Limited, a private training provider in Maghull.

Lisa previously worked in the banking sector for 12 years and decided to take a bold step towards a new career as a teaching assistant following redundancy.

She said:”I worked in a bank for a long time and while it was a good career, I didn’t feel it was my true calling. I knew I wanted to work with children, so when I was made redundant I looked at it as my opportunity to do what I really wanted to do and retrain to go into teaching.

“I have two children, Jack aged 11 and Scarlet aged 17 months. Just after Scarlet was born I started to study for the NCFE Advanced Apprenticeship. It was perfect for me as it was flexible enough so I could work part-time in a local primary school and look after my children.

“It can be quite daunting to retrain for a totally new career but everyone at Training Days was so supportive I found it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be!”

Prior to gaining the Advanced Apprenticeship, Lisa studied for a Level 2 NVQ qualification which allowed her to register for a local education supply agency to gain more experience in a classroom environment.

Lisa gained positions in a number of primary schools across Liverpool and, after completing the NCFE Advanced Apprenticeship, she recently secured a long-term placement at a local primary school.

She said: “I’m really excited to keep learning new skills and gain more experience working with children in a teaching assistant role. I’m also looking into studying first aid and sign language in the future which I think will give me valuable skills.

“The NCFE Advanced Apprenticeship has given me a huge confidence boost. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done and really got me on the path to a successful career in teaching. Once my youngest daughter is at school I’m going to look into another teaching qualification - it’s definitely the career for me!”

Laura Waywell, Director at Training Days Consultancy Limited, said: “Lisa really is super mum, taking on not only a new born baby but the NCFE Advanced Apprenticeship at the same time!

“We’re thrilled that studying with us has helped Lisa get where she is today. She’s taken on the challenge and has not only gained new skills with this qualification, but more experience and knowledge too.”

David Grailey, Chief Executive at NCFE, said: “Here at NCFE we’re celebrating National Apprenticeship Week as our apprenticeships are helping people across the UK like Lisa, get into careers which provide a huge level of job satisfaction and opportunities for the future.

“Our apprenticeship provision continues to grow and adapt to the changing needs of learners and education providers as the take-up of apprenticeships increases nationally.

“Lisa’s determination to learn new skills and provide for her young children is extremely inspiring and we wish her the very best for the future.”

For more information on NCFE apprenticeships visit www.ncfe.org.uk.
ENDS