An Apprentice Five Years in the Making – Anusha’s Story

When it comes to determination and tenacity, you’d struggle to find a more dedicated learner. Anusha’s story starts way back in 2021 when a chance conversation pointed her in our direction….

“During the pandemic I was so bored!” Anusha explains. “I took up painting landscapes just to fill my time outside of caring for my family. My father-in-law’s social worker happened to notice my paintings during a visit one day, and recommended I start an art course through SS&L. This was the very first time I heard about you!”

The very beginning…

Anusha went straight to our website and quickly learned there were more than art classes on offer! As she had no UK qualifications at the time, Anusha initially applied for a Maths and English induction. 

“I started my first SS&L course back on 22nd April 2021! My tutors were Simon Godly-Kelly and Dave Roach. With their help I was able to get through the induction and onto English Level 3 and Maths Level 1. Thanks to their support, I passed both subjects first time!”

The right support

This was the beginning of something life changing. After completing her Level 2 Maths with tutor Josh Gearing, Anusha was encouraged to sign up to a Level 2 School Support Worker course.

“Josh was an amazing teacher. He knew I wanted to do a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship one day so he told me about the Level 2 Schools course. I was really lucky to have Sarah Gill as my tutor. She recognised my grammar needed some support so she arranged for me to get some face-to-face help from SS&L.”

Back with Dave, but in person for the first time thanks to the pandemic, Anusha was able to get the support she needed to improve her English skills. 

“By this time it was January 2023, and I’d been studying English for a whole year. As I was learning English as a second language it was really hard for me. I passed my communication, reading, and listening modules, but just couldn’t pass English writing!”

Despite her frustrations, Anusha refused to give up and kept going with her English classes. In 2024 she started another English course to support her learning in the hopes to one day pass the writing module. 

“Around this time too, I was encouraged by SS&L to apply for a Midday Supervisor Assistant position at Shepton Mallet Infant School. Dave told me that if I get work experience in a school, it would be easier for me to get an apprenticeship later on.”

Alongside her English classes, new job, and raising a family, Anusha also took on a Level 2 Early Years diploma with us. 

“Amy Cooper, my Early Years tutor was amazing. She came to visit me at work and gave me great advice on what to do next to achieve my goals.”

Lessons in Resilience 💪

All the while Anusha never gave up on her English writing! 

“I applied again, and my new teacher was Colin Stephenson. He took the time to find out where my weaknesses were and helped me overcome the challenges.”

When Colin retired last year, Anusha’s class was taken over by Simon who was her very first English tutor. With his help, Anusha was finally able to pass her Level 2 English Writing module on 11th December 2025.

“I was so incredibly happy! I would never have managed it without the immeasurable support I received from my SS&L tutors, particularly Simon and Dave! I’ve been given so many opportunities to fulfil my goals and I’m very grateful!”

Anusha is now applying for Teaching Assistant apprenticeships through SS&L, and we’re so honoured to have been able to support her all this time! We can’t wait to follow along with the next chapter in Anusha’s story.

“My learning journey with SS&L isn’t over yet, and I’m so excited for the next stage!”

If you need support to achieve your goals, you can email us here or give us a call on 0330 332 9979. One of our friendly team will be happy to discuss your options with you!