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Jobs at Aberdeenshire Council

Lauren & Louisa

 

 

Lauren Souter – Former Modern Apprentice 

“Becoming a Modern Apprentice (MA) was the start of my educational career in childcare, it was one of the best decisions I have made. I started my two-year apprenticeship in August 2018, I was surrounded by amazing colleagues who supported me throughout as well as my SVQ assessor/IV who visited the setting regularly.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time working within a setting, building valuable work experience and learning first-hand how to become a great practitioner – being inspired by those around me. Learning on the job allowed me to relate to my studies with ease. I was able to learn from real-life experiences and implement them into my studies. I was able to use my own time management and work my studies around my work and personal life.

In March 2020 I became a qualified early years practitioner, after receiving my qualification I stayed at my setting until August 2020 and began to look for other job opportunities. In August I moved to a more local setting. I am now working towards my BA in Childhood Practice. I couldn’t be more proud of myself.

I started as a modern apprentice unsure if I would be able to succeed, wondering if working full-time and studying was the right path for me. If I didn’t take my first step into my career as a modern apprentice, I am unsure if I would be where I am today. I learnt valuable life and study skills that I can now implement into working towards my BA. I would encourage anyone to take the step no matter how daunting it may feel, you will meet amazing people who are more than happy to support you every step of the way!”

 

Louisa Ross – Former Assistant Early Years Practitioner 

“I started my role as an AEYP in August 2020 and I really enjoyed the experience. I was very fortunate to work with a supportive Team who were happy to share their knowledge with me. A few weeks into my first Term, my Senior Practitioner and I had a meeting (albeit a virtual one, due to Covid) with my Assessor in which we discussed the expectations and requirements of working towards my SVQ Level 3.

Prior to starting the job, I was a little apprehensive about how I would juggle a busy family life, a new full-time job and my studies, but it was actually much more manageable than I expected and in fact, I really enjoyed writing the coursework and reflecting on my learning. I found that the more I learnt, the more I fell in love with the job and the more confident I became in my practice.

Although my contract was for 2 years, I was able to complete the coursework in May 2021 and received my qualification in August 2021. I am now working towards my BA. I’ve found it really interesting so far and have particularly enjoyed the support from and communication with the other students on the course. If you had told me back in 2020 where I would be in my career now, I would never have believed it. My experience and training have taught me so much and I are now much more confident, and competent in my practice.

If you decide to pursue a career in Early Years, this is the best way to do it. Gaining your qualification whilst working with children everyday and being surrounded by knowledgeable, experienced staff is the most effective way to develop your skills as a Practitioner.

My top tips for anyone starting as an apprentice are:

  1. Be organised! Set time aside each week to reflect on your experiences and note down anything that you can write about in your coursework. Having a small notepad and pen in your pocket at all times, is helpful.
  2. Develop a good working relationship with your Assessor – communicate regularly with them and let them know how you’re getting on. They’re there to help and support you.
  3. Observe the practice of those in your Team and ask them lots of questions…they’ll be more than happy to discuss ideas and share their experience after all, they were the newbie once!
  4. It’s normal to feel nervous about doing something for the first time, whether it’s leading a Gather Time, doing toothbrushing, leading a baking activity or speaking to parents etc, but I would advise you not to shy away from scary experiences…the more you do them, the easier they’ll become. No-one (staff or children) expects you to be perfect at something, and even really experienced Practitioners have days where things don’t quite go to plan. The important thing is that you learn from it.
  5. Spend time getting to know the Nursery Team as well as other staff in the Setting (Head Teacher, Office Administrators, Cleaners, Janitors, Cooks etc). Being part of a close-knit Team is one of the biggest highlights of the job and having the support of your Team is especially important on days when it’s pouring with rain, the children are wild and time seems to be standing still (days likes this really don’t happy very often though, I promise) – you’re all in this together!
  6. Take time to rest too. If you’re tired and burnt out, neither the quality of your coursework nor your practice will be a true reflection of your talents.

And lastly…Hang in there… I assure you it’s worth it!”