After five years of flipping burgers in fast-food restaurants, Laney Forster was ready to find a career she was passionate about.
The 22-year-old was working full-time to support herself after moving out. It was honest work, but she knew she wasn’t happy to do it for the rest of her life.
“I wanted to go into my dream career, something I would love to do as a job long-term”, says Laney, sat in the reception of Bensham Grove Nursery after enjoying playtime with excited toddlers.
Laney had enjoyed studying animal care in college, and was wondering whether that was the career for her. But a recent experience of spending time with her little sisters had her heart set on something else.
“Spending so much time with them made me realise how passionate I am about children”, Laney explains. “I thought, ‘why don’t I do this as a career’?”.
Laney started looking for jobs in childcare but soon hit a hurdle when she spotted the same job requirements for experience and qualifications that she didn’t have, appearing in different roles. She desperately wanted a career in the sector but worried it was out of her reach.
That’s when she discovered apprenticeships.
“I thought an apprenticeship would be great because it's so hands-on and I could get that kind of step into the career that I wanted while also training at the same time”, says Laney.
“For me, it was a foot in the door to a longer career that I would love”.
Laney started applying for apprenticeships online and eventually landed an interview at Bensham Grove Nursery in Gateshead for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship.
The role seemed perfect for her – it would give her the valuable experience of working with children whilst working towards a recognised qualification in childcare.
The interview went well, and after waiting nervously she picked up the phone to hear some good news.
“I literally sobbed tears of joy when I got the call telling me that I was successful in securing the apprenticeship”, smiles Laney.
“And it’s been great ever since! Being able to experience the job itself without having to go to college has been a lot more beneficial for me.”
“I feel really supported at work and when it comes to doing coursework my Learning and Skills tutor, Rachel, is always there to help me whenever I need it – I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Laney’s advice for other young people looking for a career they love? “I think the most effective way to learn a job is by doing it. Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to learn policies, procedures and ways of working whilst getting feedback from the people you work with every day. I’d definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship.”
Could you find the career you love through apprenticeships? Take a look at our apprenticeship vacancies with local employers today.