Career Blossoming For Modern Apprentice Kate

Training has paid off for 21-year-old Kate Evans who is developing a promising career working with children after completing a Modern Apprenticeship.

Kate works at Oldford Nursery and Infants School, Welshpool, where headteacher Yvonne Jones has watched her blossom from a shy school leaver on work placement to a confident and self-assured young woman who has an excellent relationship with children.

"It has been like watching a butterfly emerge over the past four years," said Mrs Jones. "She's a great asset to the school and working with younger children is definitely her forte.

"She is now used by Powys Education Authority as a model of good practice. Training is so important because it gives people the opportunity to develop and we always encourage our staff to look beyond their current job."

Apart from supervising the education of a group of three-year-old children, Kate also works as a classroom assistant for five and six-year-olds.

Her Modern Apprenticeship in caring for children and young people was delivered by Powys Training in Welshpool for post-16 education and training body ELWa.

After finding that a nursery nursing college course was not for her, she contacted Powys Training who secured a work placement at Oldford Nursery and Infants School as part of the Skillbuild programme. During her time at the school, she has progressed from National Vocational Qualifications at level one to level three culminating in a Modern Apprenticeship.

Leaving school with nine GCSEs, she originally wanted to become a nurse and has not completely ruled out that career in the future.

"I have always wanted to work with children and I am very happy with my current job, which is very rewarding," said Kate, who lives near Meifod. "Training has been very important to get me where I am, but it wouldn't have been possible without the support of Yvonne and Powys Training.

"I think NVQs are good because they allow you to earn while you learn in the workplace. Skillbuild is also an excellent programme because you can try a job and make your mind up before starting training."

Training officer Julie Lewis, of Powys Training in Welshpool, praised Kate's commitment and dedication to training and said working with children was definitely her vocation.

ELWa Modern Apprenticeships are available to individuals of all ages who are employed and want to train. There are more than 90 different MA courses in Wales that provide a pathway to employment.

Picture caption: Kate Evans helps pupil Terri-Dee Winter with her reading at Oldford Nursery and Infants School.