APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprentices
go to a higher level
Supanja
Pueaboonmak-Davies
Apprenticeships are an opportunity to gain valuable work experience alongside
a qualifi cation, with the prospect of full-time employment at the end. Available
in a variety of sectors, some apprenticeships offer the opportunity to gain the
equivalent of a post graduate degree.
T
here are different levels of
apprenticeship available and
the level which you start at
will depend on your current
qualifi cations and the opportunities
available in the sector.
Most apprenticeships start at level 2
or 3, with the apprentice gaining work-
based qualifi cations such as an NVQ,
and picking up key relevant skills.
Once apprentices successfully
complete their level 3 apprenticeship,
they can work towards a higher
apprenticeship qualifi cation such as a
university degree.
Supanja Pueaboonmak-Davies is
currently doing an apprenticeship
at Acton Gardens with Countryside
Properties. She got the position
through the council’s Ealing
Apprenticeship Network, which helps
local businesses to set up placements
and then with matching suitable
people to the roles.
Last year, Supanja was awarded
apprentice of the year at the Ealing
Apprenticeship Network annual awards.
She told us: “I wanted to start a
career and be independent, and
through my apprenticeship I am able
to gain a qualifi cation and experience
in an industry I am passionate about.”
Councillor Peter Mason, cabinet
member for prosperity, skills,
employment and transformation, said:
“Apprenticeships are an opportunity
to gain valuable work experience
alongside a qualifi cation, with the
prospect of full-time employment at the
end. They also provide many with the
opportunity to ‘up-skill’, or start a new
career in a different fi eld or industry.“
Anyone more than 16 years of age
and not in full-time education can
apply for an apprenticeship, whether
they have recently left school, have
been working for years, or are seeking
a career change.
Supanja, 40, is studying towards
a higher level apprenticeship in site
supervision.
She said: “My apprenticeship has
opened up so many doors for me.
As a woman, it had been diffi cult to
fi nd work in construction, but my
apprenticeship has made it possible
for me to have a career.”
For more information about
apprenticeship opportunities
through the Ealing Apprenticeship
Network, or about apprenticeships at
the council, visit www.ealing.gov.uk/
apprenticeships
around ealing
June 2017
19