Apprentice goes back to her educational roots

A Lancashire school is providing access to training whilst offering a promising career for a former student, through their apprenticeship programme.

After completing a beauty therapy course at Runshaw College in 2009, Katie Taylor decided it was time to take on a new challenge. She decided to join the family business in 2011 but two years later she is now embarking on a very different career.

Katie joined Worden Academy in September 2013 as an administrator apprentice where she is now studying toward a qualification in Business Administration Level 2.

Speaking of the programme, Academy at Worden’s headteacher, Christopher Catherall said: “As well as developing pupils and achieving excellent academic results, I am passionate about recruiting and maintaining quality staff, whilst offering clear development opportunities. It’s great to have Katie back as a member of the staff team, I’m looking forward to being a part of her future career.“

Katie added: “Deep down I’ve always wanted to work in an education environment, so an apprenticeship is the perfect solution because as well as earning a salary, I’m enjoying the work-based training. The training is supported by a formal learning framework which leads to nationally recognised qualifications so it opens many future opportunities for me.”

Working with Lancashire-based training provider, Holt Green Apprentices, Katie is now completing a 12-month programme encompassing a range of knowledge and competence modules focusing on business environment based skills. Katie adds: “I am delighted to be back at Worden, many things have changed since I was a pupil here six years ago, but it’s great to be a member of the staff team. I’m looking forward to continuing my studies by completing additional courses such as the level 3 in business administration.”