The Most - Issue 1

CAREER SPOTLIGHT! As a College we train hundreds of apprentices every year through a range of high quality on the job training apprenticeship programmes. Yet, as we celebrate the success of our learners who are achieving success and placing their first foot into the industries they aspire to work in, we’ve taken a closer look within the walls of our College and spoken to some of those who started their own careers as an apprentice. Name: Linzi Monks Job Title: Head of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement How long have you worked at Preston’s College? 17 years What apprenticeship did you study? Business Administration L2 with NHS and Business Administration L3 with an ITP. I am currently studying my L7 Senior Leader Masters apprenticeship with MMU. Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? I had completed my A-levels but they didn’t work out for me. I worked as bank staff at Chorley Hospital and was offered the opportunity to be a full time apprentice. What did youmost enjoy about your apprenticeship? I really enjoyed the on-the-job learning which was a new concept to me at the time. Moving onto my level 3 and starting a teacher qual was a turning point in my life as this was what I wanted to do as a career. Career highlight/s: For me, gaining my current role of Head of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement is a dream come true. Now you work with apprentices what advice would you give them? I would say, don’t limit yourself, apprenticeships open up lots of doors, use the apprenticeship and allow it to take you where you want to go. Name: Dave Elliott Job Title: Recruitment Progression and Careers Manager How long have you worked at Preston’s College? 9 Months What apprenticeship did you study? Business Administration Level 3 Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? After A-Levels I didn’t want to go to university, I wanted to learn on the job and train through an apprenticeship. What did youmost enjoy about your apprenticeship? As an 18 year old, working and earning a wage whilst progressing was ideal. I was able to work hard, earn a salary, gain a qualification but still go out with my friends at the weekend. Career highlight/s: Re-joining Preston’s College! After completing my apprenticeship here over 12 years ago, it’s been great to come back, to strive to grow the College and increase the recruitment. Now you work with apprentices what advice would you give them? Get a Saturday job, make sure you’ve got a good CV and get out there rather than waiting for a job to come to you! 20