Thank you to Abby, who has been studying for the Level 3 Early Years Educator, for sending us across the following about what it’s like to be a Reach4Skills Apprentice:

I am thoroughly enjoying this programme and thrilled that we have been able to work with Reach4Skills in order for myself to continue on the apprenticeship. 

I have completed many courses in the past and have never received such positive communication and tailored support as I have from Shauna and the Reach4Skills team. I feel that if I ever need any help, Shauna is there but she also is able to balance her support and help with letting me work things out for myself, which I am appreciative of. 

Shauna is engaging throughout our lessons, her questioning is great and it pushes me into a different way of thinking and allows for reflective practice, as well as my knowledge to be increased. I do not find our professional discussions daunting, they feel very natural and like we’re just having a discussion between two professionals which is beneficial. Although I have been a Manager for some time now, I am not just doing the apprenticeship for 'the sake of getting a qualification', but am making the most of the expertise and support I am given from Reach4Skills and thoroughly enjoying it as it is developing my CPD. The course has allowed me to continuously think of ways in which I personally can develop, allows me to challenge my way of thinking and be confident to explore my practice and be critical of it. I have made changes to my setting and that is purely down to the knowledge that has been embedded from the course. The apprenticeship has also enabled me to provide further tailored support to my staff, children and families in my care. I have given my staff in house training and passed what I have learnt onto them so we have a joined up way of thinking. 

I like the way in which the programme is set up as it meets my learning style well; it provides a good balance between taught lessons, reading, assignments, extension activities, reflection and actual practice. It is challenging and is always at the forefront of my mind, but this provides me with a sense of achievement when my assignments get marked and I have successfully met the objectives of each module. 

I feel well supported and well equipped to complete my apprenticeship due to the support of Reach4Skills. I am excited to develop the business further once gaining the knowledge that the apprenticeship will give me. 

Want to find out more about becoming an apprentice, or offering this experience to your team?