Our Apprentice Stories

Sophie began her journey at Orchard Hill College completing a WorkStart programme and then after a successful interview was enrolled onto a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship in September 2020.

Sophie’s enthusiasm for her apprenticeship was evident from the beginning. Sophie worked hard to put together a portfolio of evidence for her End Point Assessment (EPA) which took place in July 2022.

Sophie has an EHCP and was given extra support sessions to help with her written English, as well as practice EPA sessions to prepare for the real thing. Her exam access arrangements for the EPA enabled her to have extra time and a silent member of staff present during the professional discussion for moral support. Sophie successfully wrote a reflective statement and then answered questions about it.

During her assessment, Sophie answered more than 80 questions confidently and competently with minimal notes for consultation. Sophie gained a well-deserved distinction.

Sophie has secured full-time permanent employment as a Learning Support Assistant at VPC which she started in September.

Louis joined a WorkStart course at the College following a period of unemployment and being unsure of his career path after finishing school. Louis demonstrated excellent ICT and organisational skills during his course. His hard work and determination lead him to secure a place on the Customer Service Apprenticeship at the College. Louis started his course in September 2021 and is working within the Management Information Systems department. Louis has found the support from his new team invaluable while settling into his role and hopes to gain the skills to secure paid employment after his course.

Bev Kinsey, Lecturer for WorkStart, commented “For Louis to have gained an apprenticeship with OHC is not only an amazing achievement but also testament to his well-grounded, kind and caring nature”.