Case Studies
Case Studies
Read about real life examples of what it’s like to be a student, an apprentice or trainee from real people.
Select an apprenticeship case study for more information.
Dan Dyke
Qualified engineer at FGP Systems
There's something for everyone after GCSEs and you don't have to follow one path. Dan decided A levels weren't for him...
Dan Dyke
Qualified engineer at FGP Systems
"Started in Spain where I was born and raised; I had a lot of family problems. I went off the rails, as you do when that happens and was sent to live with my dad. I came to the UK only being able to speak English, not being able to write or read English. I was halfway through year 10 when I came here so it was exam time. I learnt how to read and write in English in 6 months and managed to pass my core subjects, but I came out of school not knowing what I wanted to do." Dan's career journey
- Royal Manor Arts College, Portland
- Sports Coaching Level 3 at Weymouth College for a year, then left
- Engineering Level 3 at Weymouth College (one year)
- 4 year Apprenticeship in Engineering at FGP Systems, Weymouth where he won Apprentice of the Year 2018
Katie Kennedy
Early Years Teacher at Orchard Day Nurseries.
There's something for everyone after GCSEs and you don't have to follow one path. Katie decided that A levels weren't for her...
Katie Kennedy
Early Years Teacher at Orchard Day Nurseries.
"When I was approaching year 11 and thinking of what to do next, I knew that I didn't want to stay at school for A levels; I wanted a different option where I could work and carry on learning. In years 10 and 11 at Queen Elizabeth School I went to information sessions about apprenticeships and went to career fairs where employers shared information on the apprenticeships they were offering. Katie's career journey .
- Queen Elizabeth's School Wimborne
- Children and Young People's Workforce (Intermediate) through Apprenticeship with Wessex Training and Assessment Ltd Qualified Children and Young People's Workforce worker, Early Years Teacher
- - my tutor
- - the assessor from the provider supporting the apprenticeship
- - my employer As written work is not my strong point, I found it easier with the support of my tutor, Kelly. I also completed my English and ICT Functional Skills as it was a requirement of my theory work.. What are you doing now?. I completed the apprenticeship earlier this year and continue to work at Orchard Day Nurseries as a Children and Young People's Workforce worker. I am looking forward to my next career step now that the apprenticeship has started my career and given me more confidence.
Apprenticeships with Skills&Learning BDP Mel&Tracey
CSIC Case Studies
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Engineering and Motor Vehicle employer perspective
Chloe Kearle
Amanda Shobrook - Apprentice employer perspective
Leanne Sheppard - Apprentice employer perspective
Apprenticeship Graduation ceremony 2016 highlights
Matt
The Hair Academy South West Apprentice.
“My name is Matt and I’m 17. I am currently training with ‘The Hair Academy South West’ where I’m undertaking my NVQ Level 2 as a first year Apprentice. Read more >>
Matt
The Hair Academy South West Apprentice.
“My name is Matt and I’m 17. I am currently training with ‘The Hair Academy South West’ where I’m undertaking my NVQ Level 2 as a first year Apprentice. “I am really enjoying it – I have learnt so much already. “My first day was a challenge, being in a new environment and meeting new people was incredibly nerve-wracking, but at the same time I was very excited. “I have only been with the Academy for 3 months; but already I have had the opportunity to shampoo, colour, cut and blow dry client’s hair, all under the supervision of my tutors who are friendly and encouraging.” “Running alongside my practical work, I have had assessments, which will be ongoing throughout the year. “The theory side of the course did worry me slightly, but there is a lot of support and back up from tutors and the other apprentices. “I have obtained so much knowledge in such a short space of time. I will also have the opportunity to go on and complete my Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 qualification. “I can’t wait to complete my course and became a fully qualified hairdresser!” Matt has a salon placement four days a week but really looks forward to his time at The Academy. Jo, his salon manager said “Matt is hardworking and a great asset to the salon team, I am sure he will go a long way”.
Garth
BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
The Arena was very very similar to what you get on site. The tasks set were like real-life tasks, the same as you would be set at work. . Read more >>
Garth
BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE
Having had a variety of jobs as a plasterer, driver, handyman and factory worker, and nearing the end of his twenties, Garth Young decided to train for a job which would lead to a successful career and opportunities within the nuclear new build. Garth enrolled on the Adult Apprenticeship, NVQ 2 and Diploma in Steel Fixing with Bridgwater & Taunton College and began his training at the College’s Steel Fixing Arena at the Construction Skills and Innovation Centre (CSIC) in Cannington. “The Arena was very very similar to what you get on site,” says Garth. “The tasks set were like real-life tasks, the same as you would be set at work.” On successful completion of his Apprenticeship, Garth secured work with Laing O’Rourke – an international engineering company, and has worked with them on projects in Wales, Slough, London, and now at Hinkley Point.
Michael
@TRAIN4ALL
I always wanted to get into the construction industry but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I started on the traineeship programme at Train4All from here I got to try out the different trades to see which I would enjoy most. . Read more >>
Michael
@TRAIN4ALL
MICHAEL MCCAULEY LEVEL 2 MAINTENANCE APPRENTICESHIP @TRAIN4ALL I am currently completing a L2 Maintenance apprenticeship. This involves a variety of jobs from painting to minor plumbing repairs or brick work. I am responsible for keeping the work area clean and tidy and reduce trip hazards to the customer. I am given small projects to complete which are supervised and have overcome my fear of heights as I work on scaffold. I enjoy learning new skills and the variety of the role as it covers a bit of every trade. I always wanted to get into the construction industry but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I started on the traineeship programme at Train4All from here I got to try out the different trades to see which I would enjoy most. I decided that I enjoyed the variety rather than one specific trade. I felt the traineeship improved my confidence and self-belief that I could do well in the industry. I decided to start a maintenance apprenticeship working for a restorative maintenance company. I love the variety of the role as one day I could be painting and the next doing some carpentry using specialist tools. My employer has said that I have really grown in confidence particularly with customers and have a positive attitude to work as I am always willing to try new things such as working on scaffold, using power tools, being hands-on. I think I have benefited the business because I am always willing to take on new tasks/projects and learn new skills. I am positive and can be relied on to do the job correctly. I continue to improve and can be trusted to complete jobs on my own. I have worked well into the company and although I am still an apprentice I’m treated just like the rest of the tradesmen I work with. I have become much more productive and therefore increasing the work rate and making the company more money. With the money I have been earning I plan to get a van so that I can work
independently once qualified but also so that I can get to more sites and make more money for both my employer and myself
Adam
LEVEL 3 BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION APPRENTICE
Overall I have learnt many new skills and met lots of new people. I also feel that my confidence has grown and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the apprenticeship brings. . Read more >>
Adam
LEVEL 3 BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION APPRENTICE
I completed my GCSE’s in 2016 as a student of The Blandford School. I passed all my exams at grade C and above. I was very happy with the results as I did much better than I thought.
. Once I knew the results I started to think about what I wanted to do for the following two years. I had the options of attending school, college or doing an apprenticeship. My initial thought was to go to college like the majority of my friends. I then decided to attend an introduction session for mechanics and electrical engineering at Poole and Bournemouth College. I also decided to have a look into the apprenticeship scheme and chose to pursue that option.. My sister, who had completed an apprenticeship at Dorset County Council, recommended a website that she used to find her apprenticeship https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch. Using the site I found my current apprenticeship. As I enjoyed studying business studies for my GCSE’S I thought working in a business environment would be suitable.. I am now five months into my apprenticeship which I am really enjoying. I work for a new team called Shared Services that was formed in April 2016. I have a range of different roles within the Adult and Community Services directorate and the work is varied.. Overall I have learnt many new skills and met lots of new people. I also feel that my confidence has grown and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the apprenticeship brings.
Danny
Quest
I am so pleased that I have achieved my award, including my Maths and English. It was hard working through it all, but it was thanks to the support of my Assessor, Tina Smith that I made it! Thank you!” . Read more >>
Danny
Quest
Daniel Young is a shining example of how the Diploma route has been a stepping stone to his future career having recently completed his Health & Social Care Diploma at Level 3 with Quest Vocational Training. Danny, as he is better known to his work colleagues at Autism Wessex, has always been passionate about helping others, although he hasn’t always had it easy having sustained a brain injury from a motorbike accident 12 years ago. As a result he was left with memory loss and difficulties with his concentration; studying for his Diploma was a challenge. Daniel said: “My ambition was to become an electrician, however after my brain injury I decided that I wanted to work in care and give something back to others. “Prior to working for Autism Wessex, I volunteered for the charity Headway providing home care which gave me a good grounding for what lay ahead. I am so pleased that I have achieved my award, including my Maths and English. It was hard working through it all, but it was thanks to the support of my Assessor, Tina Smith that I made it! Thank you!” Peter Stickland Autism Wessex said: “I’ve known Danny for 3 years now in capacity as his line manager. He works hard every day to develop his understanding and approach with the service users; for Dan this is 10 times harder than most but he is constant in his desire and enthusiasm to achieve the best he can.” Tina Smith adds: “Danny showed 100% commitment to his qualification and at times found it very tough but he persevered. He always came to meetings and worked so hard to achieve his award.” Tina concludes: “He is a very kind and caring young man – this attribute will see him excel in the care industry. I know Danny will be a success at whatever he does next. He deserves to be rewarded for his achievements. Well done Danny!” Quest delivers Health & Social Care Diplomas at Level 2 & 3, Team Leading and Management qualifications at 2, 3 & 4. For further detail please contact 01202 237378 or visit questvt.co.uk
“I am really enjoying it – I have learnt so much already. “My first day was a challenge, being in a new environment and meeting new people was incredibly nerve-wracking, but at the same time I was very excited. “I have only been with the Academy for 3 months; but already I have had the opportunity to shampoo, colour, cut and blow dry client’s hair, all under the supervision of my tutors who are friendly and encouraging.” “Running alongside my practical work, I have had assessments, which will be ongoing throughout the year. “The theory side of the course did worry me slightly, but there is a lot of support and back up from tutors and the other apprentices. “I have obtained so much knowledge in such a short space of time. I will also have the opportunity to go on and complete my Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 qualification. “I can’t wait to complete my course and became a fully qualified hairdresser!” Matt has a salon placement four days a week but really looks forward to his time at The Academy. Jo, his salon manager said “Matt is hardworking and a great asset to the salon team, I am sure he will go a long way”.