Emma Jones - employed apprentice at Barnardo's Palmersville Training. Emma's journey in her words ...

DURING my school days I was always unclear of what to do in the future, and as the day I was due to leave got closer the pressure to make up my mind got greater. This was until I became aware of Palmersville Training.

“I first heard about Palmersville Training through my Connexions advisor at school. The business admin course was the one subject that stood out from the many available, as I thought it may provide me with a range of possibilities.

“The application process was simple too – Connexions did all the hard work and all I had to do was turn up to my initial interview, which was just a friendly chat and a few questions with my training supervisor.

“After the interview I was given a start date., During my first week I attended and completed an induction course which gave me an insight into Palmersville Training. The course helped to build up my skills and as the time came for me to go out on placement, a position for an apprentice admin assistant arose.

“The application process was exactly like applying for an ordinary job, as it included filling out an application form and attending an interview. Although it seemed daunting at the time, there was plenty of support and guidance from the trainers to make sure we knew what was necessary.

“After I received the news that I had been successful with the post I was welcomed by the friendly admin team who made me to feel at ease in a situation that I had never experienced before – this helped to ensure I settled in quickly.

“I now get to enjoy learning what it takes to be a part of an admin team and am continuously undertaking and learning new tasks. Through this training I have realised that this is the area of work I would like to make a career out of.”

Geoff Mount, service manager at Barnardo’s Palmersville Training explained that Emma is the first apprentice they have employed.

He said: “While we promote the benefits of employing an apprentice to the many companies we work with, we’re now able to see first hand the benefits of Emma’s skills being used within our own organisation. Emma really is doing a great job!”