NEW APPRENTICESHIP HIRES FIND SUCCESS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

Bury College have been celebrating the contribution of new hires to their apprenticeship programmes throughout National Apprenticeship Week.

Rebecca Cockcroft, 22, Cara Watson, 18, Vincent Scott, 28, and Anna Fitzgerald-Smith, 20, have been employed as new staff through the apprenticeship programme, and have been awarded an Apprenticeship Star Award for their hard work and dedication.

Rebecca is currently doing fantastically on her Early Years Practitioner Level 2 with Habonim Nursery. Rebecca cares for the children at the nursery, and is supported by other staff. She feeds and changes the children, as well as observing and assisting with their learning. She said, “My apprenticeship means I get to work as part of a team caring for the children at the nursery. I have gained a lot of people skills in getting to know the team and the parents.” Rebecca also added, “I am really happy to get this award. It feels amazing.”

Cara Watson, is training to be a hairdresser with Blush Lounge, based in Bury, with a Hair Professional Level 2 apprenticeship. She said, “I feel really proud of what I have achieved and how far I have come. I really enjoy creating beautiful hair and I’ve gained so many skills in new hair techniques. I would love to continue to grow and go on to do my Level 3. I am so happy and proud my work has been recognised.”

Vincent, from Bury, employed by Davenports Group, is completing his Assistant Accountant Level 3, and has recently been promoted to Practice Manager. He now manages a portfolio of clients, ranging from daily bookkeeping to management accounts. He said, “I have gained so many new skills since starting my role at Davenports, ranging from basic accounting knowledge all the way up to building on my customer service skills. I am definitely planning on continuing with AAT in the future!”

Anna is currently completing a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing at The Square Advanced Dental Clinic. She assists the dentist throughout treatments, decontaminates the instruments and supports patients. Anna said, “I really enjoy helping people regain their confidence through their smile and being a part of the patient’s journey. It is exciting to be given a Star Award, being recognised feels extremely rewarding.” Anna plans to apply for a Therapy course at university, and complete a post-graduate qualification in composite bonding, eventually opening her own clinic.

Throughout the week, awards were presented by Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council, and James Daly, MP for Bury North.