Jennifer is employed by Bright Horizons Family Solutions Ltd at Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre in Aberdeen. She first did her Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services (Children and Young People) while at school and is due to start her modern apprenticeship next month.
Why did you choose a foundation apprenticeship?
I decided to do a foundation apprenticeship after I completed a skills for work course in early learning and childcare at school and I was intrigued by the information and thought that I would like to find out more.
What has your experience been?
I successfully completed my foundation apprenticeship at school and Aberlour Futures recommended I apply for a position in a Bright Horizons nursery where I now work as an Early Years Assistant and have loved it ever since.
What is a typical day like?
We provide breakfast in the morning then create fun stimulating activities for the children. We spend time outdoors, investigating and exploring. We have lunch together and as I work in the toddler room some children have an afternoon nap. In the afternoon we enjoy more fun activities, reading stories together and sometime music sessions.
What do you like most about your job?
The thing I like the most is supporting the children’s development and watching them gain confidence and flourish.
How relevant is the qualification requirements to the work you are doing?
The qualification requirements have been extremely relevant especially as I document children’s learning, so I need to have this knowledge to do my role.
What words of advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Just go for it! There are lots of opportunities in apprenticeships and it is a very rewarding experience. I have been selected as a finalist for the Scottish Foundation Apprenticeship Award.
Good luck to Jennifer at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards this Friday night. Jennifer is a finalist in the Foundation Apprentice of the Year category.