Having the opportunity to volunteer with so many activities was something I really enjoyed. It increased my confidence and helped me develop new skills which helped me get where I am today. I specifically enjoyed helping out at opening evenings and helping people make the big decisions when it comes to further education. 

I chose the Business Support with Marketing Level 3 Apprenticeship as it aligns with my desired career path. The staff at Lancaster & Morecambe College are incredibly supportive and helpful, no question or request is too big. They even provide outstanding support even when you are in your workplace, which has been a huge help with my theory work. The modules on the course relate to what I do in my workplace, and have helped me with tasks within my role.

As I was a Hairdressing Apprentice at Lancaster & Morecambe College over 10 years ago, when I opened my own salon I really wanted to help a young person to learn the skills of the industry and pass on my knowledge.

The business studies course had a wide range of job roles that I could go into. As I was unsure what I wanted to do, this course gave me many different options from accountancy to marketing.

The Business & Enterprise Level 3 course kickstarted my career more than I could have ever imagined. I gained so much from the course; knowledge, self-discipline, confidence, and I learnt so much about the industry.

The trips were amazing, we visited universities for competitions and campus tours, attended careers fairs, completed teamwork days at places such as Lancaster Escape Rooms and Great Tower and were even given opportunities to travel abroad. Our course offered international trips to Disneyland Paris and the opportunity to undertake a two-week, all expenses paid, work placement in Italy!

It has given me the chance to learn professional skills without being overburdened by the pressures expected in a full-time role. I’ve enjoyed not being too worried about being slow or making mistakes because I have had access to regular support from both my employer and the College.

With an Apprenticeship, you are learning all the time. It gives you fantastic experience in the working world and the hands-on training gives you a real chance to put your skills into practice. An Apprenticeship really helps you to gain confidence in a working environment.

To anyone thinking about starting an Apprenticeship I would say it’s a great idea. My Apprenticeship is allowing me to expand my industry knowledge and is helping me learn which job roles in the industry I’m best suited to. It is also helping me draw a clearer understanding of whether I want my next step to be university, or if I would like to continue with full time employment.

I would say that education is a door to a multitude of opportunities, and qualifications really do count. Find something you love and keep going, you won’t regret it. Education really can change your life!

I chose to enrol at college as I preferred the set up over 6th form, and it meant I'd be able to study business solitary, exploring the subject in more detail than an A level would. I specifically chose LMC due to the high quality level of tutoring offered. The college is also very well networked and linked with local businesses and universities- useful for gaining work experience, and progressing onto an apprenticeship or degree

I would say this course may not be the easiest, but the support you get from Sarah and Jon is unbelievable. I really couldn’t have achieved without them. They are a huge credit to the College.