Success Stories: Siobhan Grayson, Level 3 Business Administration

2019 is here, so what does that mean for you?

Have you written a list of productive goals for the New Year, but already lost sight of the piece of paper in amongst copious other to-do lists? Maybe you need a little inspiration to get you going this year!

Siobhan started 2018 in a bit of a rut – after years of ups and downs and in and out of jobs that she was unhappy in, she finally decided to make a change and find a career which offered her more from life.

Siobhan knew that Business was the route she wanted to take; “I knew if I gained qualifications in this area, it would give me a broad range of opportunities to explore. That’s when I got the job at Lang Town and Country and discovered the world of Estate Agency!

I didn’t expect to love my job as much as I do but working with Lang Town and Country has shown me that sometimes being brave and making a change, can open up a career path which I never thought I would ever take.

After my apprenticeship, I would like to develop within Estate Agency, I’d like to progress to a Managerial role and study further to become a fully qualified Estate Agent.”

Marc Rees, Director at Lang, Town and Country spoke highly of Siobhan; “Seeing how Siobhan has grown in confidence and professionalism is incredible. She wants to do things right and always asks questions to improve herself. She is sensible, motivated, driven and a great team player – these are all traits we look for in someone who could really go far within this industry.

Since Siobhan started with us, she has already had a pay rise and added benefits due to her high performance and contribution to work.”

Siobhan beamed, “I have been through a lot in the past but I feel working here has made me stronger – I have gained so much confidence, I can now see where I want to go in life and what my long-term career path looks like. It’s great to be able to have goals in place and know what my next moves are so I can constantly challenge and develop myself. It’s a great feeling when you succeed.”

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