Apprentice of the Month

Why did you decide to embark on an apprenticeship with the Urdd? 

I found myself unemployed due to Brexit and took advantage of this opportunity, I wanted to see how much I could achieve. As I’ve got older, I’ve found myself enjoying coaching and travelling with it, and it became evident that this could be a good route for me to improve.  

What do you enjoy most about your job and how has the apprenticeship affected your job? 

The thing I enjoy the most is working with young people that haven’t realised their true potential yet and helping them to see what they have. Doing this apprenticeship has given me the skills to be a better mentor and educator.  

What has doing the apprenticeship bilingually meant to you? 

Doing this apprenticeship bilingually has meant that I communicate with more people, and this will give me greater future opportunities. 

How has the apprenticeship developed your Welsh skills?  

My Welsh skills have improved dramatically over the last year. I have the confidence to communicate more confidently than ever before, and this is mostly to do with the mentoring and tutoring I have received from the excellent Urdd team. 

What are your interests outside work? 

I really enjoy drawing and painting, this is probably as I have two little girls at home that keep me on my toes! I play badminton and golf, but my main interest is rugby.  I am a WRU coach and have recently qualified to become a referee.  

In what way has your apprenticeship affected your personal development ? 

Through doing this apprenticeship I have been able to improve my skills and understanding of working with young people and what they can achieve. I have had a priceless experience whilst learning which has propelled me out of my comfort zone. 

What do you hope to do after your apprenticeship?    

I’m a single parent and I am always very aware of how my work affects my family. My hope is that after completing the apprenticeship more doors will open for different opportunities that will enable a better work life balance. 

Describe your responsibilities.         

As a parent and a teaching assistant I have a responsibility to show an example at home and in school.  When I work 1:1 with a student, take a class, speak to a coach, or parent, I always do the best I can. I don’t always get it right, nobody does! But by taking responsibility and create plans to move forward, I try and show the young people I work with the same values.  I think this is one of the most important things you can teach young people. 

Describe your experience of your apprenticeship in 3 words! 

 If I only had to choose 3 words they’d have to be:Potential, Confidence and Friendship! 

Would you like to add anything to your story? How have you arrived at where you are? What has been or is your biggest challenge? 

I cannot emphasise enough the roles of my assessor’s, tutors and mentors have played during my apprenticeship.  Their experience and input have been priceless, their ability to see my potential and to push me to succeed has given me so much confidence to succeed academically. I didn’t ever believe I could complete Welsh Communication Level 3, but they saw something I didn’t, and I will be forever grateful for that.