Council Receptionists Developing Their Career Prospects

Two members of the reception team at Powys County Council's Llandrindod Wells headquarters are developing their skills and confidence thanks to the Modern Apprenticeship programme funded by training and lifelong learning organisation ELWa.

Anna Brown, 23, and Jane Evans, 21, who share reception, mailroom and photocopying duties at County Hall, have completed a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) framework with a National Vocational Qualification level 2 in customer service.

Now they are seeking a Modern Apprenticeship with a NVQ level 3 in administration to further develop their career prospects with the council.

The work based learning programmes are being delivered for ELWa by Powys Training in Llandrindod Wells, where the young women became the company's first customer service learners to achieve the technical certificate, which was part of the FMA.

Anna has worked for the county council for two years, having previously achieved NVQs level 2 in both administration and reception. She has been interested in reception work since a work experience placement with the council while at school.

"I prefer NVQs to school exams because it's work based learning and I think they are now as widely recognised as GCSEs and 'A' levels," she said. "In my job it's important you learn how to deal with people, including difficult customers, professionally."

Jane has worked for the county council for three years and, similar to Anna, likes the variety offered by her job. She admits that until the FMA she had started a number of courses but never finished any.

"I'm better suited to NVQs because I prefer more practical experience rather than academic work," she said. "NVQs are definitely worth doing because qualifications are very important to your career and I am now much more confident when dealing with customers.

"My next aim is to achieve the Modern Apprenticeship and the NVQ level three in administration to keep my career options open."

Natalie Stevens, a training officer and assessor with Powys Training, praised both young women for their hard work in completing the FMA framework in good time and also the county council for its support.

Modern Apprenticeships are available to individuals of all ages who are employed and want to train. Last year alone, 7,000 young people and adults completed Modern Apprenticeships.

The search is now on to find Wales' highest achieving Modern Apprentices. They will be honoured at ELWa's prestigious Modern Apprenticeship Awards - Wales 2005 at City Hall, Cardiff, on Thursday, October 13.

There are four Modern Apprenticeship of the Year award categories - Learner Award, Learning Provider Award, Partnership Award and Employer Award and the deadline for entry is Thursday, June 30. For more information visit www.elwa.org.uk/Maawards.