Louise's Skills Group Success

Louise left school without a future career path in mind, but with a certainty that 6th Form, and university weren’t for her. So, what did she plan to do next?

Louise’s Aim’s
• To find a role that she would enjoy.
• A role that would offer support and encouragement.
• A role where she could improve her existing skills.
• A role allowing Louise to learn on the job.

Journey to Success
During the process of researching possible pathways to take next, Louise came across a Facebook Ad hiring for a customer service role at TH March. Due to having previous experience within a customer-based job she felt that it was a role she may enjoy. Upon starting her apprenticeship at TH March Louise has been on the receiving end of much help and support from her colleagues and team leaders, many of whom have also been through the apprenticeship route and were able to pass on helpful advice surrounding how they worked through their own. As a result of this Louise has been able to thoroughly enjoy her time at TH March.

Louise chose to take on an apprenticeship with Skills Group, to allow her the opportunity to learn on the job and apply that knowledge, as well as real life work examples into her ongoing coursework. Her apprenticeship has allowed her to start her career without the worry of gaining qualifications before she was able to find a job suited to her, or the worry of student loans in order to further her learning. Through using Skills Group Louise was given valuable guidance and advice from her assessor Ethan to gain the best grade she could in her qualification.

Having an apprenticeship has helped Louise understand that you can start at the bottom and work your way to the top. It just goes to show that you don’t have to go to college or university to get a ‘good’ job. It’s better to do what works for you!

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School