Modern Apprenticeship Helps Teri To Develop Career

Eighteen-year-old Teri Bowen had no idea what she was going to do when she left school, but thanks to the Modern Apprenticeship work based learning programme she is developing a promising career with a successful chartered quantity surveying practise in Mid Wales.

She obtained a work placement with Bowen Consultants Ltd in Newtown 18 months ago after leaving school and impressed the company so much that she is now employed as the office administrator.

Having recently completed her Foundation Modern Apprenticeship (FMA) framework with an NVQ level two in administration, she has come full circle, as she is now supervising a trainee who is following in her footsteps.

Next step is an NVQ level three in administration as she looks to further develop her career with the growing company, which is involved in several major building projects across Mid Wales and Shropshire.

Teri’s learning programme has been delivered by Powys Training’s Newtown centre on behalf of training and lifelong learning organisation ELWa. She began on Skillbuild, a 13-week programme designed to provide work experience tasters, before progressing to an FMA.

“When I left school, I didn’t have any idea about a career until Powys Training found me the work placement with Bowen Consultants Ltd,” explained Teri. “ I enjoy my job because of the variety of work and I think NVQs are good because they allow you to learn while you work.”

Powys Training’s Newtown centre manager David Birch praised Teri’s commitment to learning, which, he said, had improved her confidence and skills. “She has taken on extra responsibility and now has a trainee working under her,” he added.

Her boss, Stephen Bowen, is also delighted with Teri’s progress. He said her role had developed from secretarial support to office administrator and she was a valuable member of his team.

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:
Modern apprentice Teri Bowen is developing a promising career.