“I’ve always enjoyed sports and worked at Nuffield Health alongside studying Education Studies at university before I started my apprenticeship. Teaching gave me the opportunity to share my passion for sports with the next generation.”
We caught up with Lauren who completed her Level 3 School Sports apprenticeship with Skills Group while working at Stoke Damerel Community College. After successfully achieving her qualification, Lauren was offered permanent employment at the school as a Welfare Officer for Year 7.
“It was lovely to finish my apprenticeship and then go straight into a permanent job. The school offered me the position as they wanted to keep me on, which I’m very grateful for. An apprenticeship definitely throws you in at the deep end, however it was great for growing my confidence and getting lots of experience. I learnt more through the apprenticeship than I did on my university course, as I spent every day with the children getting hands-on teaching practice.
“During the apprenticeship, I led PE lessons across the school and was involved in running gymnastics and cheerleading clubs. I also had to do ten hours of cover per week so also got to experience classroom-based teaching; no two days were the same. The apprenticeship was hard work, but very rewarding to make a difference to the children’s lives.
“I thought the apprenticeship structure was set out very well. The level of support at Skills Group was great and my assessor was brilliant; he was so helpful.
“My advice for anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be to make sure you’re fully prepared and committed. I went to university first, so I knew how to plan my workload and meet deadlines. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship – I enjoyed it more than my university course and I got far more practical experience out of it.”
Congratulations Lauren and best of luck for your exciting new career!