From Apprentice to Nursery Manager and Director – Amanda’s Story
“By completing my apprenticeships with SS&L, I was able to learn, work, and develop skills which have given me a career. All the hard work, effort, and commitment was worth it!”
If there’s one thing we love more than championing our current learners, then it’s shouting about how far our past learners have come since their time with us! Amanda’s story proves that an apprenticeship is just the beginning…
Straight out of sixth form
Like many school leavers not wanting to attend university, Amanda left sixth form and went straight into employment.
“I had left Holyrood sixth form age 17 and started working in a nursery in Crewkerne,” she explains. “Part of my job role meant completing a Level 2 Early Years apprenticeship with SS&L. I found the course really helpful for my role, and my SS&L tutor was very supportive. So, I carried on with my Level 3 apprenticeship too!”
Life after apprenticeships
After finding her vocation with Early Years education, Amanda continued her learning journey with a Foundation Degree, a BA in Early Years, and Early Years Professional Status.
But changes with her employer meant she had to take her career in a new direction.
“I had worked in the Crewkerne nursery for 9 years when the owner decided to retire and permanently close the nursery. I was 28 weeks pregnant!”
Undeterred by the timing, Amanda spent her unexpectedly early maternity leave qualifying to become a home-based childminder.
A powerful partnership
“I went through all the extra courses so I not only had a job, but could also be with my daughter, Tallulah, after she was born.”
“Samantha, who I worked with in Crewkerne, was pregnant at the same time as me. So we set up Little Munchkins Childminding together at my home.”
For the two new mums, the situation worked out well, with Tallulah and Joshua, Samantha’s little boy, being the first Little Munchkins clients!
“In small numbers we welcomed more children from the local area. Today Little Munchkins Childminding has grown into a nursery, and we’re now based in our 3rd premises in an old pub in Chard!”
Still led by Amanda and Samantha, Little Munchkins care for up to 30 babies and children from 3 months to 7 years.
“By completing my apprenticeships with SS&L, I was able to learn, work, and develop skills which have given me a career. For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I can honestly say all the hard work, effort, and commitment was worth it!”
To see what apprenticeship opportunities we have to support your career goals, give our friendly team a call for a no-obligation chat on 0330 332 7997 ☎️ or check out our current vacancies here: Apprenticeship Job Vacancy Listings | SS&L