From Apprenticeships to Full-time Careers!

Molly’s Story

Molly felt that mainstream college wasn’t working for her and struggled to find work without prior experience. Her mum sent her the apprenticeship link with us at SS&L, and she decided to apply – “what did I have to lose!” The role pushed her out of her comfort zone, offering full-time work, a wage, and a qualification!

Since completing her apprenticeship, Molly is proud of how far she has come and how much her confidence has grown. She says she has learned to function as part of a team and take the lead when necessary – things she “hadn’t had the option of doing much before.”

After earning three distinctions, Molly was offered a permanent role. Molly now encourages others to “take the leap”, believing that apprenticeships offer unique opportunities for personal and professional development.

Hannah’s Story

Like Molly, Hannah chose an apprenticeship because college had never felt like the right fit for her. She preferred hands-on learning and had heard great things about SS&L! 

Throughout her apprenticeship, Hannah developed a wide range of skills, but says the one she is most proud of is her conflict-resolution ability, as it helped her understand people’s frustrations and how to support them effectively.

Attending events quickly became one of her favourite parts of the job. Meeting people across Somerset and having opportunities that “routinely test my knowledge of SS&L!” helped her confidence grow significantly. Being offered a permanent role meant a lot, showing her that her “hard work, skills and knowledge” were recognised and that she was “a valuable member of the organisation.”

For new apprentices, Hannah’s advice is simple: “Don’t give up when work gets difficult!”