Kelan is a Social Services Children and Young People Modern Apprentice employed by South Ayrshire Council and works at Annbank Early Years Centre and After School Club. Kelan started her apprenticeship in January 2022.
Why did you choose a modern apprenticeship?
I chose to do a modern apprenticeship as I thought it would be a good way to gain new experiences and skills in the workplace while working alongside qualified practitioners who I can learn from. I also chose to do a modern apprenticeship as you can be in the workplace daily learning but also getting a wage.
'Supporting the children and helping them achieve new skills is what I like most about my job. I also like working alongside other practitioners as I can learn from them and get support from them.'
What has your experience been?
So far, I have really enjoyed the apprenticeship in both the nursery and the after school club. It has been difficult to do all the reflective accounts and knowledge tasks when you are working full time, but it will definitely be worth it in the end.
What is a typical day like?
In a typical day I will arrive at the early years centre sign in and then spend time with the children. I will set up different tasks and experiences for them that will be beneficial for them and help with their development. I will also support the children when needed and provide any first aid if required. I will then arrive at the after school club and set up the hall with different toys and activities that the children have suggested to me on my consultation mind map. At the after school club, I will help with any activities that the children want to do or that they wish to achieve for their personal plan.
What do you like most about your job?
Supporting the children and helping them achieve new skills is what I like most about my job. I also like working alongside other practitioners as I can learn from them and get support from them. I also like that I get put through training such as first aid and food hygiene which allows me to have more responsibilities in the workplace as I can provide first aid if needed and do snack for the children.
How relevant is the qualification requirements to the work you are doing?
I think that the SVQ that I am working towards is very relevant to the work that I am doing in my placements as I can write about my different experiences and skills in the workplace and this then goes towards my qualification as I will write it in a reflective account. I also think that the knowledge I have been learning with my assessor is relevant to my placement as it allows me to understand the different policies and procedures and the reasons to why I need to follow them.
What words of advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
If someone is considering doing an apprenticeship, I would recommend that they do it because it allows you to gain new skills every day and see how each day is in the workplace.
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