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.
Find your education options
There are different ways to find out what your education options are:
- talk to your school tutor about the different career options or visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/where-next
- find more career information on careerpilot.org.uk
- find information and support about options at 16 in Dorset from Flying Start