How the decision to expand a childcare business changed the life of a young apprentice
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For many parents, childminders offer a
home-from-home environment which meets their childcare needs. Many childminders run their setting single-handedly; however, some are now looking to employ apprentices to help them grow their business.
Jenni is one such childminder, based in Maidstone, who did not want to rush her decision to find an extra pair of hands. Eventually, she found a young school leaver called Harmony, 18, who has so far exceeded all her expectations.
A few months on from starting work at JenniWren’s childcare, Harmony has already completed her Paediatric First Aid training and hopes to finish her Level 3 whilst working at the setting.
Harmony found out about apprenticeships whilst visiting a career fayre at a local leisure centre in Maidstone. She explains: “I met a lady from Parenta who explained the process and what I would be able to achieve by working alongside studying.
“A week later I was given an interview at JenniWren’s Childcare. Jenni told me all about her business and I knew that I wanted to be a part of something amazing.”
Harmony recently completed her A-levels in Childcare, Business Studies and Health & Social Care. After sixth form, she decided she wanted to continue studying but also gain practical work experience too. A childcare apprenticeship seemed like the perfect solution.
Harmony says: “I have always wanted to work in childcare. I spent a lot of time around my younger sibling which made me realise how important it is to allow a child to feel that they are loved and are being cared for in the right way.”
She adds: “I enjoyed studying Childcare at A-Level which involved undertaking various work placements at local primary schools and nurseries.”