An Apprentice Supporting an Apprentice
Apprenticeships are available in a variety of levels and are not just for those who are wanting to begin their careers in a specific sector. Sarah Scanlan and Jordi Matthews are a prime example of how two different levels of apprentices can both help and support each other.
After moving into a more senior role at Salford City Council, Sarah Scanlan, Head of Participation (14-19), decided that it was time to invest in her own personal development. She explained: “I saw the opportunity through the Springboard Programme that the Council and the College were putting together and it was a great opportunity to invest in me.
“I had limited experience of managing people and so I really felt the need to broaden my skillset.”
The #LeadingSalford Springboard programme is a bespoke initiative designed specifically for existing managers with high potential to further develop their strategic leadership capabilities. The programme has been created to enable leaders to further develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead highly engaged and motivated teams who are empowered to deliver service improvement and transformation.
Undertaking her apprenticeship throughout the pandemic, Sarah has felt like even though there has been limited face to face teaching, she has still received an abundance of support. She commented: “It’s been really helpful to know that there is so much support on hand, no matter what day or time, there’s always someone to help you when you need it. I think without that, I would’ve felt really alone. Especially when we haven’t been able to be together as a group of apprentices, it can be quite isolating.
“My assessor Karen, has been the biggest help to me throughout this whole process. Whether it’s at eight o’clock in the morning or six in the evening, she has been there to answer all of my burning questions.”
Going into the experience knowing that she also had the task of supporting another apprentice made Sarah feel more daunted. She explained: “At the start of the process I was thinking how am I going to help someone else whilst I also navigate myself through this new experience.”
But after talking to Jordi and working alongside each other Sarah felt as though it was a blessing in disguise. She added: “It’s turned out to be such as blessing because the knowledge that I’ve been learning through my apprenticeship, especially given that it’s leadership and management, has been able to help me to coach and understand what Jordi is going through.
“Apprenticeships are hard, seeing as you are balancing work and learning at the same time. But they are also rewarding. Through this experience we have actually helped to support each other and it has been really helpful to know she understands what I’m going through and vice versa.”
Upon achieving a First-Class Honours in Public Services at Manchester Metropolitan University, Jordi Matthews decided it was time to start her career. After coming across the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at Apprenticeships at Salford City College, Jordi felt this was the right way to achieve her goals. She explained: “I chose to do an apprenticeship as I left University and I thought that it was a great opportunity to get into the world
of work and to get onto the career ladder.”
Jordi has since completed her apprenticeship and achieved a distinction. She commented: “It felt really good for all of my hard work to be recognised in my final grade. Now that I have completed the apprenticeship, I’m looking forward to focusing all of my attention on my role within the council.”
Over the duration of her apprenticeship, Jordi has also relied on Sarah for advice and guidance and noted that her experience wouldn’t have been the same if Sarah was not also on an apprenticeship. She explained: “Alongside being thrown into the work and joining a fantastic organisation, the best part has been sharing the experience with Sarah. She has given me so much support over the duration of our apprenticeships. It’s nice knowing that if I’m ever stuck on a piece of coursework, I can go to her for help and advice.”
If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Sarah and Jordi and start an apprenticeship, then contact the Apprenticeships at Salford City College team on: 0161 631 5555 or apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk.