Success for Sophie with Senses
Sophie Jenkins is 24 years old and an Apprentice Receptionist at Senses a Well-being and Thai Massage Centre in Northwood. Sophie tell us her story.
"I was told about the apprenticeship scheme and after a bit of time and thought, I decided to see whether or not I’d still be eligible."
She continues "I left school with no qualifications and this apprenticeship offers me skills and opportunities to learn that I have never previously had. I feel that I am ready and willing to learn now so I can better myself in terms of gaining more confidence. I feel like I’ve finally achieved something I never thought I could do."
Sophie attended Haydon School and near the end of her time there she studied catering at college for one day a week with two days spent in a work placement. She didn't take any GCSEs, but managed to complete an NVQ level 1 in Catering. Since then she has mainly worked in bars.
We asked Sophie what was so great about her apprenticeship. "The skills I’m learning include the day to day running of the business, general customer service and how to use the computer system. I’m learning to work with other people in a team, co-ordinating and liaising with the other employees to make sure the work runs smoothly and we all give good customer service. When you’re working in as friendly an environment as this, you enjoy coming into work and helping the business to succeed. It makes you want to become successful. I can now move forward in my life instead of staying in a rut, which is where I was before."
Would Sophie recommend an apprenticeship to others?
"I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship for various reasons, such as developing self-confidence and life skills. It’s a good start for bigger things."