APPRENTICES in their forties are proving it’s never too late to learn new skills, after two Wiltshire College & University Centre learners were recognised in the College’s recent apprenticeship awards.
Their stories are being highlighted during Colleges Week, the national campaign celebrating the role colleges play in helping people of all ages develop skills and progress in their careers.
Bogdan, 42, and Danielle Blake, 42, are among apprentices balancing work, study and family life while gaining new qualifications and progressing at work.
Bogdan completed a Level 2 Production Chef apprenticeship while working at Allenbrook Nursing Home in Fordingbridge. Alongside his job, he studied in his spare time while continuing to support his family.
He said: “It’s a little bit of a challenge to share the little spare time you have when you have children and family and still study for your apprenticeship portfolio. But it was worth it.
“I gained new knowledge and skills and after completing my apprenticeship I was promoted to Kitchen Manager.”
Danielle Blake, from Melksham, also completed her apprenticeship later in her career while working as Youth Service Lead at The Rise Trust in Chippenham.
She said: “I never, ever did very well at school. So to be able to do complete an apprenticeship whilst working has meant that I’ve been able to progress my career and hopefully be a really good role model to the young people I support in our charity.”
Danielle studied for a Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship, developing leadership skills while continuing in her role supporting young people and families. Colleagues say the experience has helped her grow in confidence and recognise the value she brings to her team and the charity.
She recently won the College’s Business Operations Apprentice of the Year award, while Bogdan was named Hospitality Apprentice of the Year.
The experiences of Bogdan and Danielle highlight how apprenticeships can support people at different stages of life – whether starting out in a career, changing direction or progressing in their current role.
During Colleges Week, Wiltshire College & University Centre is highlighting stories like Bogdan and Danielle’s while continuing its 150 in 100 campaign, celebrating the people and partnerships helping develop skills across Wiltshire.
Discover apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer the chance to gain recognised qualifications while working and earning. Whether you are starting your career, looking to develop new skills or considering a change in direction, Wiltshire College & University Centre works with employers across a wide range of sectors to support apprentices of all ages.
