Nursery Nurse Endorses Modern Apprenticeship

Nursery nurse Karen Shaw, a finalist in ELWa’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards – Wales 2003, is encouraging Modern Apprentices across the nation to put their names forward for this year’s awards, which close to entries on September 24.

Described as a model employee by her boss, 20-year-old Karen has achieved her dream of working with children at Maldwyn Family Centre in Newtown thanks to the skills she has gained through ELWa’s Modern Apprenticeship programme.

Having achieved an NVQ level 2, she is now completing her level 3 framework in early years care and education with Powys Training, who nominated her for last year’s awards.

“It was nice to be a finalist in last year’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards, which I think are good because they recognise and reward the learning achievements of young people,” said Karen, who lives in Welshpool.

“I have always wanted to work with children and the training that I have received has made that possible. It has given me the knowledge and experience to do a job that I really enjoy.”

During her career to date, Karen has gained valuable experience working for both Gungrog School, Welshpool as a classroom assistant and at Maldwyn Family Centre, making a positive impression with both employers.

“She’s a model employee,” said Linda Jones, manager of Maldwyn Family Centre, which has 24 staff caring for up to 70 children. “She is excellent with the children, very reliable, gets on with her job quietly and efficiently and communicates well with the children, members of staff and parents.

“Karen isn’t a person that did well academically at school, but she has found her niche and she’s a good example of the training system working well. We only employ qualified staff who are either already trained or in training, which is essential in today’s world.”

Modern apprenticeships provide people with an opportunity to work and learn at the same time. There are more than 90 different MA courses in Wales that provide a pathway to employment.

ELWa’s Modern Apprenticeship Awards – Wales are designed to showcase Modern Apprentices, businesses, learning providers and collaborative projects that have made outstanding contributions to learning through the Modern Apprenticeship programme.

Recognising outstanding achievements in personal development, business development or programme delivery, the awards will be presented at a sparkling ceremony to be held at Cardiff City Hall on October 21 2004. For more information about the awards contact ELWa on 08456 088066 or visit www.elwa.org.uk/Maawards.

Picture caption: Karen Shaw at work at Maldwyn Family Centre with two-year-old Courtney Ashworth.