Courtney Mills, an Early Years Educator at Abacus Day Nursery, chose to pursue a Level 3 apprenticeship because she prefers hands-on learning in a real-world setting rather than solely focusing on theory. By working directly with children, she gains practical experience while developing the skills necessary for her role.
Support has been a key aspect of her apprenticeship, with mentors and colleagues regularly checking in on her progress.
"If I’m doing something new, they’ll talk me through it or come up to me and help if I need it. They always offer support with the college side of things as well."
In addition to workplace support, she attends college once a month, and her tutor provides guidance both remotely and through on-site visits.
Courtney believes her apprenticeship is preparing her well for the future by increasing her confidence and experience in handling different situations. One of her proudest achievements so far has been learning how to deal with challenging behaviours and manage stressful situations effectively.
For those considering an apprenticeship, Courtney highly recommends the experience. She values the opportunity to build bonds with children while learning in a practical environment, noting that a hands-on approach offers deeper insights than theoretical study alone.
"Definitely apply for it and do it because it’s a lot more hands-on. You get to learn and bond with the children. If you get your Level 3 or whatever qualification you’re aiming for and then come here, you might not learn as much as you do being practical."
Her experience showcases how apprenticeships provide valuable on-the-job training, equipping individuals with the confidence, experience, and skills needed to succeed in their chosen careers.