Hannah Brown left school in 2014 with overall good GCSE results, except for maths which she really struggled with. After leaving school, Hannah wanted to enrol onto a photography course at college, but sadly she didn’t meet the entry requirements due to her not having a maths GCSE. So, she enrolled onto a Level 2 Art and Design course which she really enjoyed and passed.
She continued to study at the same college on a Level 3 Cabin Crew programme, which led to her gaining employment with a leading airline. Although she enjoyed it, she realised it wasn’t quite the right job for her. Instead, she wanted a hands-on job where she could learn a trade, so she started to look on job sites.
Hannah came across a vacancy for a Level 2 Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship, which really appealed to her. She wanted to expand her skillset and knowledge in areas which were new to her. After applying, she was invited in to the Growth Company for an interview. Hannah was successful in her interview and came away excited for a new challenge.
Soon after, the employer contacted her to invite her in for an interview, Hannah was successful and started her new role on the shop floor. Hannah said: “When I started, I thought that I may be treated differently because I was female and also an apprentice, but everyone I met made me feel part of the team straight away. Throughout the year, everyone was really supportive and helped me to achieve my apprenticeship, being patient with me if I made a mistake and helping me learn from them and grow. Also, being allowed time off to complete my Level 1 maths was a huge help, which I am grateful for. I am proud of my achievements and hope that I can inspire young women to apply for apprenticeships that they feel might not be achievable for them.”
Hannah’s manager whilst she was doing her apprenticeship said: “Hannah developed her sense of responsibility and respect for colleagues, customers and jobs. It was an interesting and rewarding journey seeing her grow in confidence. Nothing is 100% smooth-running, but even through the more difficult times we saw something in Hannah that we felt was worth our time and effort, when she doubted herself or us, we would tell her that we believed in her ability and she had what it took to succeed.”
Hannah was employed and enjoying her work when a relative showed her a vacancy with the local council for an apprentice Level 3 HGV Mechanic. Again, this vacancy was through the Growth Company. Hannah had done well in her previous apprenticeship so applied and was successful. She is now in her first year of the three-year programme and is loving it!
Ged Leckey, Hannah’s tutor at the Growth Company said: “Hannah started her learning journey with us in 2018 when she enrolled onto a workplace apprenticeship in Performing Manufacturing Operations Level 2. From day one, Hannah was a pleasure to work with as all her actions and objectives were always completed timely and she always had a smile on her face. Hannah had to complete her Functional Skills Level 1 Maths as one of the objectives within the apprenticeship. This was done by Hannah attending classes once a week. This was on top of my monthly visits to her workplace to cover the knowledge, skills and behaviour elements of her apprenticeship. Hannah completed her Level 2 and I was delighted to see that she has now progressed onto the Heavy Vehicle Level 3 Apprenticeship.”
Hannah added: “I would definitely recommend the Growth Company to anyone considering an apprenticeship. I am always talking to my friends and colleagues about my experience. All the staff been really supportive; I would never have passed my Level 1 Maths if it wasn’t for the support I received. I know that with the continued support I will pass my Level 2 Maths as well as completing my apprenticeship.”
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for an apprenticeship visit https://www.gceducationandskills.ac.uk/apprenticeships/
