Meet Kelly, Level 3 Team Leader Apprentice studying at Winsford campus

Kelly chose to study her apprenticeship at Warrington & Vale Royal College's Winsford campus as it was a perfect fit for her role at Mid Cheshire Hospital, where she has worked for the past four years as a security officer. In her role, Kelly is responsible for managing violence and aggression while ensuring a safe and secure environment for staff, patients, and members of the public.

Since starting the apprenticeship, Kelly has developed better self-management skills, grown more professional in her role, and gained confidence in managing both people and tasks. The apprenticeship has contributed significantly to Kelly's professional development, and her progress has been acknowledged by others in the workplace.

Before pursuing the apprenticeship, Kelly was a social worker but decided to make a career change due to the challenges of balancing work and family life as a single parent. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to pursue a rewarding career. The apprenticeship has provided her with a flexible learning environment that fits around her demanding work schedule, including unsociable hours and 12-hour shifts.

The most valued aspect of the apprenticeship for Kelly has been the exceptional support from her tutor, Sarah. Sarah has been approachable, reassuring, and consistently supportive, not only in the academic aspects of the course but also in helping Kelly overcome personal obstacles along the way. Sarah's guidance has been vital in helping Kelly overcome self-doubt and remain focused on meeting the course’s requirements.

Kelly’s advice to future apprentices is to embrace the course fully and take advantage of all it has to offer. The apprenticeship has allowed Kelly to grow both professionally and personally. She encourages others to enjoy the learning process and remember that each apprentice’s experience is unique, with varying levels of expertise, experience, and opportunities. There is no competition—each individual’s journey is their own.

Throughout the apprenticeship, Kelly has learned valuable skills in project management, resource management, and conflict resolution, particularly through leading various projects. These skills have been put into practice and have proven to be instrumental in her development.

Looking ahead, Kelly is exploring new career opportunities, including roles in team leadership and health and safety. While there are currently no promotional or training opportunities available within her team, Kelly’s apprenticeship has provided her with the confidence and expertise to seek new roles within her organisation and beyond.

Kelly can confidently say that the apprenticeship at Warrington & Vale Royal College has 100% helped prepare her for the next step in her career, offering both the support and the skills needed to take her professional journey to the next level.

Are you interested in taking your career to the next level? Check out this apprenticeship, and the wide range of other courses on offer using the link below, or get in touch with apprenticeships@wvr.ac.uk to find out more about how apprenticeships work.