University is the next chapter for library apprentice
Rebecca Tudor, 22, from Telford, has secured a place on a degree course along with permanent employment, after completing an apprenticeship with local training provider County Training. On leaving William Brookes Sixth Form College, Rebecca enrolled on an apprenticeship with County Training. Having now completed a level 2 and level 3 apprenticeship in Business Administration, Rebecca has been successful in gaining a permanant position with her employer, Shropshire Council’s school library service.
Rebecca’s manager Sara Pritchard has been so impressed by the progress she has made during her time, they are now supporting her through a work-related degree. The apprenticeship route has put Rebecca in a good position to secure a place on the ‘BSC Information and Library Studies degree’, equipping her with the experience, skills and knowledge required to study at this higher level.
Rebecca said:
“As I’ve progressed through my training, I’ve taken on greater levels of responsibility in my role. When I left sixth form I wasn’t keen on going away to university, which is why I chose the apprenticeship route. I never would have dreamt that completing my apprenticeship with the School Library Service would lead to me being supported through a degree. I’m now looking forward to achieving further qualifications, with the added bonus of no student debts.”
In September 2016 Rebecca is looking to start her distance learning degree. The degree is specific to Rebecca’s work as a library assistant and will take her between 3-5 years to complete. Completing the degree will help Rebecca develop her knowledge and skills of her work further, which in the future will provide her with new opportunities and enable her to really accelerate her career in this area of work.
Sara Pritchard, school library manager, said:
“‘We are all impressed by the work and skills Rebecca has developed and demonstrated throughout her apprenticeship, and we’re proud to be able to support her through her degree, so much so that we’re currently recruiting for another apprentice.”
Nick Bardsley, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member for education, commented:-
“‘This is a perfect example of how apprenticeships lay the pathways for progression onto degree level qualifications. Rebecca demonstrates to us all that you really don’t have to follow traditional academic routes to access university courses. I wish Rebecca the best of luck through her degree and following career.”
The School Library Service is currently recruiting for their next Library Service Apprentice to start in September 2016. For details and to apply this vacancy please visit shropshire.gov.uk/county-training. Closing date for applications is 5 May 2016.
County Training’s team of apprenticeship advisors work to support school and college leavers into Apprenticeships, whilst also working with 16-23 year olds who are currently seeking an opportunity. As the largest provider of work-based training in Shropshire, the service has excellent links with businesses countywide, also supporting them with apprenticeship recruitment along with training for existing employees. In February 2015 County Training secured a ‘good’ Grade 2 in its Ofsted report, with outstanding grading awarded for health and social care, safeguarding and leadership and management, placing it as a leading training provider in Shropshire.
County Training is largest private training in Shropshire and receives funding from the Skills Funding Agency and European Social Fund to deliver training and apprenticeships in the following areas: Business and Administration, Brewing, Childcare, Education, Equine, Customer Service, Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, IT, Motor Vehicle, Management, and Warehouse and Storage.
For more information please contact countytraining@shropshire.gov.uk or call 0345 678 9023. Visit the website at shropshire.gov.uk/county-training.
