Success Stories: Connor Bryant, Level 2 Health & Social Care Apprentice

Connor knew from a young age that he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his grandparents who are both Support Workers and have greatly influenced his decision to go into Health & Social Care.

“Every week I volunteer with my Grandad who runs a Movie Club supporting a group of adults with disabilities. I have been volunteering since I was very young and feel this is what sparked my interest in working within this industry. Making sure they are having a good time and ensuring they get home safely at the end of the evening is extremely rewarding. I knew that once I had finished school the Health & Social Care route was the right path for me.

I started the Health & Social Care Study Programme in September and have been concentrating on gaining the skills and knowledge I need before starting on an apprenticeship. I have already completed a Dementia Friendly course to gain an understanding of what it is like to live with dementia and how you can help that person. Annette, my assessor is very supportive and I have learnt so much from her in the short time I have been with Skills Group.”

Annette Davy, Health & Social Care Assessor at Skills Group says, “Connor has a huge amount of enthusiasm and empathy which are vital skills to have within the Health and Social Care industry. He has thrived within the classroom and always communicates well with others”.

Connor beams “I am looking forward to the future, I can’t wait to start my apprenticeship and get into a work placement so I can put the skills I have learnt into practice. Once I have finished my Level 2 I would like to start Level 3 whilst working as a full-time Care Worker with my Grandad. Once I have gained more experience I’d love to progress into a Support Worker role.

I want to learn as much as I can by practical experience so that I can provide emotional and physical support to others and make a difference to their everyday life.”

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