Apprentice Emily is on success short list
Published: Wednesday, 4 July, 2018
Stroud District Council apprentice Emily Robbins has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Gloucester Citizen and Gloucestershire Echo Apprenticeship Awards 2018.
Emily, 17, decided to join the council’s apprentice team after realising that sixth form wasn’t the right route of education for her, but still wanted to develop her learning and gain qualifications.
As a member of the Housing Contracts team Emily provides business administration support which has allowed her confidence to rapidly grow. Members of Emily’s family have commented on the way she has overcome the anxiety which she suffered during her time at sixth form, and credits the more accommodating working environment.
Emily’s manager Tara Skidmore nominated her for the award in the category of Outstanding Apprentice of the Year for Construction and Public Services.
"I am really proud of her progress over the last ten months, not only on a work basis but also on her personal journey," said Tara.
In her spare time Emily volunteers at her local Rainbow group, and this inspired her to join the council’s charity team. She has organised events for MacMillan, Children in Need and Sport Relief and is currently planning her next charitable event for later in the summer.
Emily says that her apprenticeship has opened her eyes to the vast opportunities available in the council and has provided her with examples of how to further her education in her field of interest. She said how her colleagues and fellow apprentices have shown her the range of different routes accessible to young people in education and have made her feel like a valued member of the team.
When asked what advice she would give to a young person considering an apprenticeship she said:
"Students shouldn’t be worried about making the leap from education to the working environment as it can offer brilliant opportunities whilst you are earning money, and you get the chance to learn about different areas of employment. Apprenticeships can also create an opportunity to learn independently but with guidance and support from colleagues."
Emily is close to finishing her Level Two NVQ qualification and will then go on to Level Three. In future she plans to see what opportunities open up and has the possible role of surveyor in her sights.
Emily is hoping to be this year’s winner of the award and said:
"If I was lucky enough to win this award I hope I could provide an awareness of mental health issues in the younger generation. I think it’s important that school leavers aren’t afraid of changing direction to suit what’s best for them – it certainly worked for me."
The winners will be announced at the Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Awards evening on Thursday 5th July 2018 at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Emily was interviewed by Rednock School student Kaytlan Coates during her work experience week at Stroud District Council.