Using apprenticeships to chart a career path

It’s one thing to acknowledge where you are. It’s quite another to decide where you’re going. Once that decision is made, the key is to determine how to get there.

Take Emma Conyers for example. While happy working as a Family Support Worker, she knew she wanted to train specifically in social work. However, to be in a position to do that, Emma realised that she had one achievement to tick off her list before she could begin that journey.

The Childcare Company sat down with Emma to talk about her apprenticeship, career aspirations, and plans for her future career.

The challenge: achieving a personal goal and qualification

Hi Emma! Great to catch up with you. Tell everyone a little bit about yourself.

Hello! My name is Emma Conyers. I studied Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner – Community Pathway apprenticeship. I work as a Family Support Worker.

What were you doing before starting your apprenticeship?

I was already working as a Family Support Worker, and I’d had previous experience in supporting children and families, including those with ADHD.

That’s terrific. What made you choose this programme with The Childcare Company

I was looking for a professional development apprenticeship. Completing a Level 4 qualification was a career goal for me, and a necessary step toward the social work apprenticeship opportunities. I like that The Childcare Company can show learners like me a clear path to where they want to get to. They’re also known for providing the definitive UK early years apprenticeship experience. I wanted that for myself.

Apprenticeship highlights and challenges

Can you share anything that stood out for you from your apprenticeship experience?

I felt the course was well organised, the sessions were detailed and informative, and there was lots of access to resources that helped you throughout your journey. My Development Coach was particularly supportive, encouraging, and available whenever I needed guidance.

Were there any challenges you had to overcome during the programme?

I did, at one stage, challenge myself to complete two modules at the same time. Although it was a lot at first, the strong support network at The Childcare Company helped me adjust quickly. The Development Coaches will adjust the delivery of the learning to suit whatever pace you’re comfortable learning at. Once I settled into it, and found a pace that worked for me, the experience became manageable, and ultimately, very positive.

Apprenticeship experience and impact

Now that you’ve completed the programme, how do you feel the apprenticeship has helped you?

The apprenticeship has acted as an important stepping stone toward my goal of completing social work training. It has supported my current role by enabling me to connect theory with real-world practice. I feel it has improved my academic readiness, because I haven’t been in education for a long time. It’s strengthened both my confidence and my ability to work effectively with families and children.

Which of your new skills are you using the most in your day-to-day work?

I think now I understand child development, and how it influences my work with children. I also make regular use of the legislation and frameworks covered in the course, which has helped me understand my responsibilities more clearly. I can now apply them better in practice.

How would you say your apprenticeship journey has enabled you to grow?

I’m certainly more confident in my duties than before. My employers tell me I’m a better communicator, which is good to hear. The thing I’m most excited for is now being in a good position to undertake social work training. Setting myself up for that specific growth feels like a great move to have made.

Apprenticeship advice and reflection

What advice would you have for anyone thinking about starting an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships offer clear opportunities for career progression and meaningful improvements to professional practice. The support provided throughout the programme by The Childcare Company is exceptional. There is a great deal of help available. I think it’s been a great experience for me.

How would you sum up your apprenticeship experience overall?

I have had a very positive experience throughout this apprenticeship. Everything about the programme has been beneficial. It has had a significant impact on both my professional practice and the families I support. The knowledge and confidence I’ve gained has strengthened my work, and prepared me for the next steps in my career.

How apprenticeships benefit employers

Emma’s journey is just one example of how apprenticeships create opportunities and chart a path to achieving ambitions. The Childcare Company team works with both the learner and employer to determine the goals and intentions behind any programme, so that the destination is defined, and reachable.

The Childcare Company’s coach-led approach ensures:

• Qualified employees
• Excellence in childcare
• Increased retention rates and service longevity

When employees can see they are being invested in, they are more likely to remain loyal to their employer. With the future mapped out, everyone knows where they stand, and what they stand to gain.

Why people choose The Childcare Company

Emma is now well on her way to the Social Work career she’s always dreamed of. At The Childcare Company, our Development Coaches use their sector-specific expertise to guide learners in delivering care excellence, and positively impacting children, young people, and families across the UK.

People choose The Childcare Company because the results are clear to see. 99% success and satisfaction rates. Number one childcare apprenticeship training provider. Free recruitment and funding application services. Stories like this one. It all demonstrates that The Childcare Company is a partner in success, as well as a provider of leading-edge training. Emma got to where she needed to be. You and your team can too.

Learners: start your childcare apprenticeship. Employers: build a diverse, high-performing team with expert-led training. Reach out to The Childcare Company team today. Call 01753 596 004, or hit the button below.