Teacher Inspires Shelly's Careeer Ambition

The lasting impression made by a primary school teacher is driving 18-year-old Shelly Chave towards her dream of working with children.

Regretting leaving school without any GCSEs at the age of 16 years, she is now working her way through a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship in Early Years Childcare and Education at Level 2 with lifelong learning organisation ELWa and hopes to progress to a Level 3 qualification.

Training provider Powys Training found her a work placement at the Park Lane People nursery in Welshpool where she made a good impression during her three-month trial and is now employing her as a trainee nursery nurse.

“I have always wanted to work with small children since being inspired by my primary school teacher,” said Shelly. “When I left school at 16 I didn’t think I needed GCSEs but now I regret not taking them. That’s why work placements and training are so important to people like me.”

Julia Jones, owner of Park Lane People, said: “Shelly is very good with the children and is making steady progress with us.”

Nick Wedge, Powys Training’s Welshpool centre manager, said Shelly was a good example of what could be achieved if a young person was prepared to put in the effort to prove herself to an employer.

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.

Shelly says: “Work placements and training are so important to people like me.”