Yasmin knew she wanted to work at Little Ones Child Care in Budlake – her own childhood nursery. “Little Ones has a good reputation and I have great memories here. So I did some work experience at the nursery and then decided I wanted to do an apprenticeship. It’s nice being back. Some of the staff are even still here who used to look after me and my brother!”
Yasmin is working towards a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Child Care. Her daily routine involves setting out the play rooms, safeguarding, and plenty of time interacting with the children who clearly love spending time with her. Through learning on the job, Yasmin also now knows how to identify children’s behaviours and how best to react.
“I had the chance to go to college and sit in a classroom to study, but I wanted to do an apprenticeship as they provide real working experience and the chance to spend time every day with the children. Through the apprenticeship, I’ve discovered that every child is different”.
Yasmin hasn’t been daunted by working full-time at the nursery, and still fits in time for friends and her other passion – competitive, county level swimming for Somerset. Yasmin trains twice a week and is even hoping to progress to nationals. With the money she earns from the apprenticeship, Yasmin can now pay for herself instead of asking her parents for pocket money and is also saving up to learn how to drive.
“In the future, I’d like to stay at Little Ones and progress onto a Level 3 Apprenticeship. I always wanted to become a nanny, but I’ve now decided I prefer being in a nursery as there are always other people around to support you.
I’d say go for an apprenticeship if you want plenty of hands-on experience. I have no regrets about doing one and am happy getting practical experience, my qualifications and spending time with the children!”