Surrey County Council Case Study

Jamie-Leigh Clark undertook a Level 2 Youthwork apprenticeship with the London Learning Consortium while working at Surrey County Council. We asked her some questions about her time as an apprentice with us.

How did you first hear about apprenticeships?

Through my leaving care worker. He told me about the ones available through Surrey County Council. 

How did you hear about the London Learning Consortium apprenticeship programme?

I heard about London Learning Consortium through the apprenticeship leader at Surrey County Council. 

What role do you currently do at the organisation you work for?

I am a children's rights apprentice.

What have you done while in your apprenticeship?

I have done so many things it would be hard to write them all. I have gained so much experience working with looked-after children, and helping them get their voices heard. I have made a new magazine which goes out to all looked-after children and care leavers. I have also made and sent out a consultation survey which got over 100 responses. Within my time at Surrey County Council, I recongnised we were only getting the views of elder young people, e.g. teenagers. So I have now arranged consultations with younger looked-after children. I have had a lot of training and work experience which I believe will help me succeed so much further in Youthwork. 

What did you enjoy most about the training?

Learning new things, like how to work with young people and relate to them. I also enjoyed the parts where you can learn about yourself, like your own values and beliefs and how they may differ to the young people and colleagues you are working with. 

What do you feel you have achieved?

I feel I achieved so much more than I thought I ever would. I have learnt so much and gained a lot of confidence in the year that I have worked here. 

How does it make you feel about yourself now?

I feel very happy with myself that I have completed my Level 2. I also think that this is only the beginning, but a very uplifting beginning which is going to help me succeed a lot further in my Youthwork qualification. 

What are your future plans?

I plan to carry on and progress on to Level 3. I may change this to Level 3 in Health & Social Care instead of Youthwork as in the current climate there seems to be more work opportunities in this. I hope to find a job which will accept the fact that I am doing my Level 3. Also if I haven't signed up to it before my Level 2 is completed and I am signed on to Level 3 - I hope they can pay the employers contribution fee. I hope to go on and be able to use my qualification wisely.

Would you recommend the programme to other people?

Yes, definitely. I found it a very useful year and a great opportunity to get into the career I wanted to. I also found my assessor very helpful, and generally a great person to work with. She made it a lot easier to understand the qualification, and helped me through every part of it. Thanks, Tracie!!