Case Study - Sigourney's Story

Sigourney left Parklands High School, Chorley, in 2009.  Her ambition was to be a receptionist; she scored good grades in her GCSEs but she didn’t have very much confidence. Sigourney attended our e2e programme which is now known as Foundation Learning.

I jumped at the chance and took part in several sessions including confidence building, team building and producing a CV.   Once I had completed the e2e programme, with the help of my key worker, Laila Sooky, I was put on a placement at the local council carrying out general administration duties, for around 5 months.   I really enjoyed it and decided that administration was definitely the path I wanted to go down.

Laila then informed me of a position that had come available at Scorpion Automotive in Chorley.   I was very nervous but went for the interview and was successful.   I started my new job, which was chasing orders, in February 2010.

Within my first week, I was introduced to my Training Officer, Sarah Rawlinson, who signed me onto the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Business Admin.  She explained all the in’s and out’s and what was involved.  I really enjoyed working towards the Apprenticeship as I found out things I didn’t know about such as employment rights.  I also found it a lot easier once the voice recorder was introduced as it was so much easier to talk about what I did than put it down in writing.  Throughout my Apprenticeship my Training Officer was always there to help me and was very encouraging; I could feel my confidence growing daily.

Once I had finished my Apprenticeship, I enquired about the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.  Sarah gave me all the information I needed, helping me chose units that fit around my job role.

I then received some brilliant news – I was being promoted to a buyer for the company.  I was so happy; I never thought I would have had the confidence to do that job, especially with still only being 18.  My new job involves me speaking to suppliers face to face and over the phone; my confidence has grown immensely.

I am now looking forward to getting stuck into my new role and the Advanced Apprenticeship.