Declan is employed by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Ltd at Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre in Aberdeen. He first started as a modern apprentice in Social Services (Children and Young People) and is now working towards a Technical Apprenticeship in Childhood Practice.
Why did you choose a technical apprenticeship?
I found the technical apprenticeship was the best foot forward after I completed my modern apprenticeship. I chose to do this as I enjoyed the opportunity, I had to use my real life experience from my job to contribute towards my apprenticeship qualification and to continue to develop myself.
What has your experience been?
I have had an excellent experience working with my training provider doing my apprenticeship both with my first qualification and my current one.
I helped to support them delivering a course to school pupils last year and was awarded Apprentice Ambassador of the Year 2023 at last year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards Awards for all my work and contribution towards shaping and mentoring future apprentices which I continue to do.
What is a typical day like?
Each day is different, but every day includes setting up experiences for the children, planning to meet their needs, documenting learning, working alongside the staff team and having great conversations with the families at the end of each day.
What do you like most about your job?
The thing I love most about my job is the relationships that I have built with everyone from the children and families to our staff team. This is a huge thing that plays a crucial part in setting up the children to thrive and become young people.
How relevant is the qualification requirements to the work you are doing?
I gained my SVQ level three in 2019 which qualifies me to be a practitioner. I am now working towards my SVQ level four to further embed my knowledge and understanding as I gain more experience in my career.
What words of advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
It’s for sure the best way to learn on the job. You get to work and make money as well as be able to gain the real life experience already needed. It’s a win win, do it!