18-year-old Leila from Leeds wins Central YMCA’s 2023 Pre-Apprentice Progression of the Year
“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.
