"I want to show students now how great apprenticeships are and how students will gain the same qualification as they would do going to college and then university."
What led you to work for PETA?
While on maternity leave, I wanted to look at a new career that helps to show people get to the career path that is best for them. Previously I was working in schools and seeing the different ways students learn showed me that not everyone will follow the same route. I want to show that apprenticeships are great for everyone.
What is your role at PETA and what drives you to what you do?
My role here at PETA is school engagement officer and apprenticeship recruitment.
I will organise to go to schools and colleges to their careers fairs, parents’ evenings and assemblies, discuss with parents and students about apprenticeships and how they work.
When I am not out at schools or colleges, I will be helping our recruitment team to get the best person for the apprenticeship role.
I love what I do, I want to make sure that everyone understands apprenticeships and how they have changed over the years. Everyone learns in different ways, and this is a great way to gain the experience in the workplace, get support and guidance from colleagues and gain a qualification.
What knowledge and experience do you draw upon for your role?
After finishing my A-Levels I was someone who still wasn’t sure what to do, so I followed what my friends did and went to university. This was not for me and did not enjoy my time here. I want to show students now how great apprenticeships are and how students will gain the same qualification as they would do going to college and then university. I learn better hands-on, so I want to show people that this is a great way of learning. I wish I had all this information when I was at school.
How do you approach your role on a day-to-day basis? What skills are required?
My days are always different, some days I will spend time at schools talking to all year groups and their parents during their careers fair. I will do assemblies for year groups explaining their different options and how apprenticeships work. I can also do workshops in schools aimed at students looking at engineering, business, IT and finance.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going travelling and on ski holidays. In the evenings I like to craft and make different things. I like to learn and try new things, explore different places.
What are your personal values, and what is important to you?
My personal values are kindness, equality and honesty.