After accepting her certificate at the Annual Apprenticeship Awards, Emma said, “I’m really shocked but I’m really excited as well. And I think, obviously it’s a good thing to have on my CV and it will help in the future to have it, it will make a big impact I think.” 

Choosing the right subject 

Emma decided to undertake the ‘Early Years Practitioner’ apprenticeship as she always wanted to build a career in the sector. After dealing with challenging times as a child, Emma identifies with and wanted to help other children in the same position. 

Achieving with support 

Since taking on the apprenticeship, Emma has grown in confidence in and out of work. She also gained good professional relationships with the parents, staff members and tutor.  

Throughout her apprenticeship, Emma has been supported by her tutor, Helen, and staff members who have guided her through some difficult times during the course. In the face of challenge, Helen has been amazed by Emma’s focus and commitment to completing the course no matter the obstacle. 

Looking to the future 

This course has had a great impact on Emma’s life because she’s found a career she wants to work in for the rest of her life. Moving forward, she would like to continue training and work her way up to management. She hopes to continue making a difference in children’s lives. 

Emma’s advice  

For anyone interested in completing an apprenticeship, Emma said, “I think an apprenticeship is definitely the way because you get that hands-on experience to take into the future, and in your next job role too. You have that knowledge to take with you.” 

About Apprenticeships  

Inspired by Emma’s story? 

Apprenticeships are for anyone aged between 16 and 65. They can help with starting a career, making a change, or upskilling in your current job.  

Find out more about our apprenticeship offer.   

At this year’s awards ceremony held at the House of Commons, Johnson said, “I always dreamed of being in London but never in Parliament, so it’s just a great experience.” 

Choosing his pathway 

Johnson was referred to Central YMCA whilst at school and attended a Pre 16 programme which he enjoyed. He found the staff friendly and supportive when completing his qualifications, but Johnson didn’t feel ready for college.  Johnson stayed with Central YMCA and attended an Employability Study Programme because he wanted to work towards achieving his GCSEs. 

Achieving with Central YMCA  

While in the Pre 16 programme, Johnson achieved Level 2 Maths Functional Skill, Entry 3 English Functional Skill as well as an NCFE Personal and Social Development Award.   

On the Study Programme, Johnson worked towards GCSE Maths and English and NCFE Level 2 Employability Skills. He gained a grade 4 in Maths, a grade 3 in English and passed the Employability Award. While on programme, his work experience placement was with the Regent Hotel.   

As he didn’t feel ready for employment, he decided to return to Central YMCA to work towards a Traineeship and his work experience placement agreed for him to continue. He continues to attend his work experience at The Regent on weekends and evenings and hopes to achieve a 4 in GCSE English this year. 

Looking to the future 

Before Central YMCA Johnson wasn’t very sociable and rarely spoke to people he did not know, but now he feels more confident, has improved his self-esteem and now has a better outlook on life. He’s still unsure of what he would like to do in the future but knows he now has more opportunities to a brighter future.  

When Johnson talks about his hopes for the future, he said, “I’m currently in hospitality so I’m hoping with the people skills it will help me move into management positions as well.” 

Johnson’s advice  

“Just try, if you fail, you can try again, like I’m doing with my GCSEs. If you fail, you can do it again and again and again.” 

About Apprenticeships  

Inspired by Johnson’s story? 

Apprenticeships are for anyone aged between 16 and 65. They can help with starting a career, making a change, or upskilling in your current job.  

Find out more about our apprenticeship offer.   

“It feels nice to be noticed for my hard work, I mean this is just another step that’s going to motivate me and do better.” 

Gym saved his life 

As a young man growing up in Hackney, Murat faced many obstacles and struggled to overcome them on his own. Murat didn’t have support or influence around him which lead him into the wrong lifestyle. His mental health was affected and he really wanted to get himself out of this position and better himself mentally, physically and emotionally. It was very challenging at times to get himself out. Fitness helped him learn discipline when it came to bad habits. The gym saved his life. In working out more, Murat felt more positive, his confidence increased, and he got his self-esteem back.  

One of the biggest benefits that came from Murat starting his fitness journey was joining Central YMCA. Learning with the team helped him realise he was making progress and doing better. He also appreciated being noticed for his hard work and effort. Personal training was something he always considered as a career path but never knew who to speak to until he started going to a gym. 

Choosing a pathway 

Murat was one of the last students to join his cohort, however, he caught up quickly with a lot of revision at home. Although he struggled to remember most of the key information when revising, it did get easier as he had support around him, from his peers who would encourage him to revise with them, to his tutor who provided consistent guidance along the way.  

In the future, Murat would like to be a successful personal trainer and open his own gym to encourage others to better themselves mentally and physically and give them the guidance he never had. 

No regrets  

“Just do it and just go for it. If you like it, just go with the flow. If you have the time, you won’t regret it. I just think to myself, at least I can say I tried. 

About Apprenticeships  

Inspired by Murat’s story? 

Apprenticeships are for anyone aged between 16 and 65. They can help with starting a career, making a change, or upskilling in your current job.  

Find out more about our apprenticeship offer.   

“I was shocked, I didn’t believe it, because I’ve never even been to London!” 

Gaining confidence 

Leila was attracted to Central YMCA because the team and environment seemed friendly. The classes were small which was also ideal because Leila can get anxious and easily distracted in large groups. At the end of the Study Programme, she didn’t feel confident enough to do an apprenticeship, so after speaking with staff at Central YMCA she decided to do a Traineeship to help gain additional confidence to help her take that next step in her education and employment journey. 

Progressing forward 

In Leila’s first year with Central YMCA’s Childcare Study Programme, she achieved the NCFE L2 Certificate in Caring for Children, gained GCSE Maths and attended a work experience placement.  

In September 2022, Leila returned to Central YMCA for a Traineeship Programme. And after only 6 weeks of working with Precious Ones, they offered her an Apprenticeship. Leila is now working towards a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and Functional Skills Level 2 Maths.  

She now feels more confident and outgoing and, in the future, would like to become a nursery manager and continue learning. 

About Apprenticeships  

Inspired by Leila’s story?  

Apprenticeships are for anyone aged between 16 and 65. They can help with starting a career, making a change, or upskilling in your current job.  

Find out more about our apprenticeship offer.   

“It feels amazing to win an award, knowing that my hard work is being recognised. Going forward, I think it’s definitely a good thing to have on my CV and be recognised by future employers.” 

A career that’s different 

Robbie wanted to start a career within the horticulture environment, so when an apprenticeship came up at Twycross Zoo, Robbie was so happy because he visited the zoo on many occasions and always took a keen interest in the animals and their surroundings. The apprenticeship also interested him because of the variety of work involved. A very hands-on learner, Robbie wanted a career that was different. Having no previous experience of horticulture, Robbie applied and was successful.  His passion paid off!  

Life changing achievements 

Robbie has made a big impression on his tutor, manager and training manager with his ability to learn whilst working and has become a valuable member of the team at Twycross Zoo.  

Since starting as an apprentice, Robbie has been promoted and is now registered as a full-time employee on a full-time wage. His managers are already discussing a possible position as site supervisor once that position becomes available.   

A word from Robbie on apprenticeships  

“The only advice I would say is definitely do it. It’s something that you’ll never regret. You learn hands on, working with people who are skilled in that industry. Yeah, I can’t fault anything about my apprenticeship.” 

About Apprenticeships  

Inspired by Robbie’s story? 

Apprenticeships are for anyone aged between 16 and 65. They can help with starting a career, making a change, or upskilling in your current job.  

Find out more about our apprenticeship offer.   

“I felt completely shocked. I didn’t know I was going to win the award tonight, but I feel truly grateful because I’ve worked really hard for this.  It’s built my confidence, got me further and allowed my mind to progress, to show me where I want to go in life. So, this award has actually showed me how far I can go and there’s no end to the race, I just keep on going.” 

A passion for fitness

From a very young age, health and fitness have been Tee’s passion. Tee’s parents raised Tee to know the benefits of staying fit and keeping healthy. So, Tee always dreamed of working as a Fitness Coach. During the lockdown, Tee reconnected with the passion, and started studying, training and learning more in general about the body and the holistic benefits to healthy eating and fitness conditioning. Tee also came across an advertisement on Indeed about becoming a Fitness Instructor, which included a Customer Practitioner Level 2 course. Tee applied for this role during lockdown in moving one step closer to their aim of becoming a Fitness Coach. 

From a dream to reality 

Tee is now a fully qualified Fitness Instructor, Life Coach, and EMS Personal Trainer. Tee has also successfully completed English Functional Skills Level 2, and is about to finish their Customer Practitioner Level 2 along with completing Maths Functional Skills Level 2. Tee is still working as an EMS Personal Trainer at a studio in Barnett and supporting a vast amount of people aiming to reach their health and fitness goals while using EMS and focusing on their nutrition.    

A word from Tee about apprenticeships

“My advice would be, even though life does throw a lot of challenges just go for something. You never know how far you can get, you never know where life is going to take you, so take that risk, take that opportunity, because you don’t know what’s at the end.” 

About Apprenticeships  

Inspired by Tee’s story? 

Apprenticeships are for anyone aged between 16 and 65. They can help with starting a career, making a change, or upskilling in your current job.  

Find out more about our apprenticeship offer.   

After accepting the award on behalf of The Guinness Partnership, Joanna Fullerd, Senior L&D Administrator said, “Hearing about all the apprentices, reminds me of the ones we work with at Guinness. We support them with anything we can, even out of their apprenticeship. From managing stress levels, and boosting confidence, to time management and money matters. Our job is to make sure that we give them everything they need, so they can succeed.” 

Background 

The Guinness Partnership is one of the largest providers of affordable housing and care in England. Guinness fulfil their social purpose by providing great homes and services, including care services to over 140,000 customers across the country. 2,700 people help Guinness deliver their home, customer and care services. Everything Guinness do is about their customers, their communities and their people.  

Joanna Fullerd is the inspiring individual that makes the process for the apprentices seamless. She keeps apprentices engaged with an approachable manner that supports positive outcomes. 

Achievements

Central YMCA and the learning and development team at Guinness have worked over the years to nurture a relationship that has the apprentices in the forefront of their minds. The dedication and commitment that is shown in this department is incredibly organized with an outstanding support structure in place where learners are fully supported to be focused and engaged to achieve their apprenticeship. 

Every learner is provided with a laptop to ensure that their E-portfolio can be accessed at any time. Agreed protected time on a regular basis is put in place at the beginning of the programme to support time management and create a good balance between the working and learning environment. 

About Apprenticeships  

Inspired by The Guinness Partnerships story? 

Apprenticeships can help your employees upskill or introduce new talent to your company who can learn and grow with you.  

Find out more

Background

Brats Day Nursery has been established in childcare for over 30 years, with children’s ages ranging from 3 months to 5 years old. Its thirteen members of staff provide a fantastic quality of care, with finger-print recognition technology for security, a 5* food hygiene rating, an on-site defibrillator and universal staff training in paediatric first aid. 

Brats has a close relationship with Central YMCA, with 24 apprenticeship learners to date. This relationship has developed over the years, with a member of staff expressing that: 

“we wouldn’t use any other company other than YMCA for our apprentices.”

Investing in Apprentices 

Each learner is invested in and supported by Brats, establishing trust between team members and with the children. Investing in learners as individuals is Brats’ particular strength – notable instances include senior members of staff paying for extra training when learners are struggling, providing every learner with a mentor, and involving them in decision-making. Brats also retains each trainee after their apprenticeships – offering them permanent positions once they complete their learning. Kerry and Lauren from Brats say:  

“We want our learners to be the very best they can be, to be proud of their achievements.” 

As a result of building such a supportive and secure work environment, their staff often stay with them for years. Brats Nursery is doing amazing work with and for apprentices, and thoroughly deserves to win this award.  

About Apprenticeships  

Inspired by Brats’ achievements? Could your business benefit from supporting learners during their apprenticeships? Work with us to improve the lives of young people by helping them to access greater opportunities.

Find out more about our apprenticeship offer.