Case Study - Rebecca Thistlethwaite

 

Future Horizons

Having just completed my GCSE's I wanted to go straight into an apprenticeship working as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school. I was a Brownie Young Leader for one and a half years so working with young people was something I knew I wanted to do. Whilst looking for an opportunity I worked at a local stables and within retail to earn some money and gain some work skills.

I contacted Bolton-le-Sands and gave them a copy of my CV. They invited me in for a chat and introduced me to a Recruitment Officer from Future Horizons. She explained to us about the project, what the benefits were to both the school and I and what options there were at the end of the work placement. I thought it sounded ideal and a great way in to working within a school environment. Fortunately the school were happy to accommodate and I started on Future Horizons the week after.

Whilst I attended North Lancs Training Group for two weeks I did a First Aid certificate, learned about equality and diversity, work based skills and learning skills and styles. I also completed a basic skills assessment.

During my eight week work placement I have been working across the year groups to get a rounded experience. I have also been doing –

· Working with groups of pupils around the school independently, all of whom were engaged at all times

· Supporting with picture work

· Guiding reading with up to 5 pupils at a time which has been my favourite duty so far

· Shadowing the teacher doing phonics, which I have now put into practice independently

· Providing support with literacy, enabling pupils and guiding them during lessons

· Shadowing on playground training

· Creating displays around the school

· Taken part in training during an Inset Day

· Coordinating resources – for example for the nativity play

I have enjoyed all aspects of the placement. It has given me confidence and I am glad to have had the opportunity as it gave me the opportunity to have a go at doing the job before making a full commitment.

Mark Hamblett – Deputy Head said that "this is the first time we have taken on an apprentice. Going through Future Horizons was a win/win situation. We got an extra pair of hands and got to watch Rebecca grow in her role which gave us the confidence to offer her a paid training contract. It has also been useful to have the support with all the HR and admin side of the recruitment."

Rebecca started a 12 month paid training contract under Future Horizons Gold+ where she will be working towards a Level 2 qualification with Lancaster and Morecambe College.