Izzy Bowen came to Skills when she was 16 after realising A Levels wasn’t right for her.
“I have always been interested in working with children, so when I saw the Childcare Apprenticeship and researched into how hands-on and practical the qualification would be, I knew this was the right path with me. After completing an initial 12 week Study Programme, Skills Group found me a Level 2 apprenticeship with Pixieland Nursery and from there, I’ve never looked back!
“Having a good employer is really important. It’s a full-time job, so you have to enjoy your surroundings which I really did. I built a great support team; from my employer to the girls I worked with and the Trainers from Skills Group.
“Natalie, my Trainer at Skills Group, has been my rock throughout my learning journey. If I’ve had any problems or questions, she’s always been there to support and advise me, I wouldn’t have got this far without her.
“I’ve had my challenges, especially within the last year with some personal issues, however I always kept thinking about the long-term benefits of completing my qualifications and knowing I will always have this to fall back to and that’s what kept me going.
“I’m so proud that I am only 19 years old and already have 3 years workplace experience and qualified at a Level 3 Standard!
“Now I’ve nearly finished my Level 3, I want to go and explore my options. I’m young so, I’d really like to work on cruise ships in the nurseries so I can travel the world but still have a career I love.”
Image: Izzy Bowen (Left), Natalie, Skills Group Trainer/Assessor (Right)