There's something for everyone after GCSEs and you don't have to follow one path.

Elise decided that A levels weren't for her...

While I was at school I knew that I didn't want to go into the sixth form. I am dyslexic and am a kinetic learner; I learn by doing. I wanted to go to work and learn on the job. At Gryphon School I heard a little bit about apprenticeships and when I shared this with my careers adviser he explained apprenticeships to me. Some of my older friends were doing apprenticeships so I started looking. I found an apprenticeship at Kaleidoscope Nursery on the Indeed website and applied.

Elise's career journey


  • The Gryphon School
  • Level 2 Apprenticeship at Kaleidoscope Nursery
  • Advanced Apprenticeship with Wessex Training and Assessment in the workplace

What was your learning journey?


I left school at 16 and had my CV ready as I had support at school to prepare it. I had an interview for the job, which didn't go too well as I was not very confident. In the second part of the interview I had to work with the children and they assessed my skills; it was here that I did well and based on that I was offered an apprenticeship.

I completed the Children and Young People Workforce (CYPW) Intermediate Apprenticeship working 4 days a week and going to college for one day a week. When I passed the Level 2 Apprenticeship I wanted to progress to do the Advanced Apprenticeship level, but I was not keen on going back into the college environment as it doesn't work well for me.

What are you doing now?


I am now halfway through the Advanced Apprenticeship with Wessex Training and Assessment as my provider, doing off the job training away from the setting, but in my workplace.

I get additional support from the provider to help with the dyslexia, Zoe, who supports me is great. We have planned more time together which helps. I am more comfortable working with her on a one-to-one basis. I look forward to completing my apprenticeship in a year's time.

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