We love to celebrate our apprentices and their achievements here at Parenta. There’s no better time than National Apprenticeship Week to share with our readers what it means to our learners to complete a childcare course with Parenta Training.
Alice Ya Kra completed her EYE Level 3 in August 2019 and currently works at Kids Inc. Day Nursery in Chingford, London.
She said; “Doing this course has really helped me in my job. Before, when I wasn’t qualified, I couldn’t be counted in the ratios and also wasn’t allowed to be alone with the children. Now, I am able to really use the ideas and knowledge that I have gained during my Level 3 studies and I can now plan so many more activities with the children. My employers are expecting so much more of me now that I’m qualified and that’s a good thing! I now create my own lists of activities and having the qualification has given me confidence to progress my career within this setting.
“I would definitely use Parenta again if I was to carry on my studying (if I was a bit younger!) and in fact, I’ve recommended them to a friend who was offered a job really quickly because she was on a Parenta course! All in all, I had a good experience and am happy with Parenta!”
Farzana Masih completed her EYE Level 3 in April 2019 and currently works at Aston University Nursery and Preschool in Birmingham.
She said; “I was already employed but really wanted to further my knowledge and progress my career so I chose Parenta to do my Level 3. I’ve got so much more in depth knowledge now and can apply everything that I’ve learned in my day-to-day job. I’m planning activities with the children so much better now too!
“I’ve really used this qualification to be able to apply for better positions within the industry which I am actively doing at present, and I am considering doing a higher level qualification with Parenta in the future as what this has shown me is the real potential for career progression. I would definitely recommend Parenta, they have been very supportive and I’ve had a very positive experience.”
For one Parenta learner, 2019 was a year she won’t forget for a long time. Kira Alakija from Noah’s Ark in Duston, Northants was shortlisted in the Northamptonshire Business Awards, in the category of Apprentice of the Year.
She said; “When the judges came to visit me at my setting, they told me that I was the first nominee ever to come from an education background – that made me so proud! I love what I do and I couldn’t have done all of this without the support of my Parenta assessor and my managers at work. The organisers made a point of recognising all the apprentices and their achievements and said that this year it had been really hard to choose one overall winner. It was an experience I will never forget and a great way to end my apprenticeship.”
The year also ended well for Parenta’s very own apprentice, Courtney Berryman, who successfully completed her Level 2 Business Administration. She was lucky enough to have the opportunity of attending the first-ever Kent & Medway Apprentice Graduation Ceremony in October – an event which celebrated the apprentices’ achievements in the same way as a university graduate is recognised, which is planned to continue this year.
Parenta is the UK’s largest vocational training provider within the early years sector, offering apprenticeships at all levels. We train nearly 3,000 nursery staff every year, helping them successfully complete their childcare apprenticeship training. With 20 years’ experience in the industry, we work in partnership with thousands of settings, supporting them with upskilling their existing staff, as well as recruiting new apprentices.
Ask us about our free recruitment service and for advice to help you invest in tomorrow’s generation of childcarers. Our experienced team will be able to advise you on ‘all things apprenticeships’ - from legislation changes to funding, contribution, minimum wage and off-the-job training. To find out more about how we work together with settings and help them with their apprenticeship solutions, call our team on 0800 002 9242 or email recruiter@parenta.com.