From Apprentice to Post Grad – Megan’s Story

If there’s one thing we love more than celebrating learners of SS&L Present, it’s celebrating learners of SS&L Past, and everything they’ve achieved since starting their journey with us!

One such learner is Megan. Her story shows how one of many apprenticeship applications can turn into a lifelong vocation. She has now completed Early Years training from her very first Level 2 apprenticeship with us, all the way up to post-graduate Level 6 Early Years Teaching Status (EYTS).

From College to Career

When Megan first joined us straight out of sixth form, the only thing she knew for certain was that university was not for her. “Coming to the end of sixth form I knew didn’t want to go away to uni or into a job I wouldn’t have wanted as a career,” she told us. “I decided my goal was to achieve a Level 2 Early Years qualification in a nursery and then move onto a Level 3 as a Teaching Assistant in a school. I applied for lots of different apprenticeships and just thought I would see what happened!”

In our experience, a lot of learners who come to us aren’t always made aware of all the options available to them once they finish school or college. For some, having the option to work towards a nationally recognised qualification while gaining real-life work experience and earing a wage can be a game changer. “An apprenticeship – joining a college and workplace at the same time – wasn’t something I really thought about until it actually came to it! In the end I was really happy with my decision, as I really did not want to go to uni!”

We ❤️ Supportive Employers

“I enjoyed my time with SS&L. I found the structure of the course achievable, practical, and aligned with my expectations. My original plan to do a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship changed however, after completing my Level 2. My employer was really supportive of me, even when my plan was to leave them. This support and love for the job I already had helped me decide to do a Level 3 in Early Years instead! This July I’ll have been working at Hassockmoor Childcare for 14 years!”

Despite her reservations after leaving sixth form, Megan has gone on to study university level courses after all! “The apprenticeship helped me with confidence in general, and when I went on to complete my Foundation Degree, BA, and Early Years Initial Teacher Training I had no fear of joining a new class, not knowing anyone, or not understanding. I was comfortable asking for help and support and could recognise when I needed further guidance to achieve to my highest standard.”

“Thanks to my time with SS&L, I was able to start my journey towards achieving my Early Years Teaching Standard, and helped build the foundations of my continuous learning, development, and understanding within Early Years.”

Full Circle 🔁

Now, Megan has become fantastic advocate for apprentices who come and join her at the nursery. Nicky Deady, SS&L Early Years tutor says “Megan did her Level 2 and Level 3 with me, and was motivated to progress to a higher level. Not only has Megan achieved her goals, but has been incredibly supportive of the apprentices at Hassockmoor to ensure they too reach their full potential!”

We’re so exceptionally proud of Megan, not just for her achievements, but for paying forward the support she received from her employer to the Early Years professionals of the future. We are beyond proud to have played a part in her journey and can’t wait to see what comes next!

If you would like to hear more about where apprenticeships can lead you, our friendly enrolment team would love a chat! Give them a call on 0330 332 7997 ☎️