PRESS RELEASE: Elle Rochelle Smith, wins ‘YMCA’s Apprentice of the Year Award’
Such was her commitment and enthusiasm to learning during her apprenticeship, Elle went on to secure a full-time, permanent role as Healthwatch Doncaster’s ‘Engagement Support Officer’.
Elle was one of three young learners recognised at the annual national Central YMCA Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony at the House of Commons on Monday 3rd February, which coincided with National Apprenticeship Week (3rd – 7th February).
At school, Elle struggled with classroom learning, especially maths. She didn’t know what she wanted out of life and – by her own admission – “didn’t care.”
Elle was initially put on a YMCA study programme, which enabled her to pass her maths exam. During her YMCA apprenticeship at Healthwatch, she achieved her Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration – a City and Guilds qualification – and hopes to complete her Level 3 Diploma by early March.
Elle’s apprenticeship has given her focus, direction, confidence and passion for a cause she now believes in. She’s gained many new and valuable skills. Elle reflects on her journey
“I’m shocked and amazed that I’ve actually won this award. I’m really proud – this is one of my biggest ever achievements in my life.
"I’ve learnt a lot. I didn’t know who I was and didn’t care where I went. I didn’t have a positive mindset, but now I do care and I’ve learnt what a work place is, how to act and how to succeed.
"I’ve been on a lot of training and have developed from an apprentice into an Engagement Officer. I couldn’t be more grateful! It feels good to be part of the Healthwatch team.
"This apprenticeship has been the best thing I’ve ever done. The YMCA has been amazing. I’d definitely recommend them because everyone is so supportive from start to finish, especially my tutor, Mo, who has been so understanding. They listen and understand because they have had people in my situation before.
"I’m glad that I’ve been given an opportunity to do an apprenticeship and actually get a full time job out of it. If I didn’t have this opportunity, I’m not sure where I would be today. Life is really good now.”
Elle’s role entails answering calls and signposting people, administration and face to face public engagement on a range of services including mental health and missed hospital appointments.
Andrew Goodall, Chief Operating Officer at Healthwatch Doncaster is delighted with Elle’s recognition:
"I’m really pleased that Elle has been nominated and selected as YMCA’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’ winner. It makes us really proud at Healthwatch Doncaster to know that our apprenticeship scheme and support for employee development, enables our apprentices to achieve success at a national level.
Thank you YMCA for the help and support that you have given Elle. Your dedication and enthusiasm for learning and development has enabled her to complete her courses successfully and progress into a full time job as valuable member of our team.”
Last year, Central YMCA helped nearly 1,700 apprentices and Study Programme learners across the UK to develop their employability skills. Over 70% of these learners progressed into further education or employment.
Last night’s ceremony was attended by approximately 60 people including MPs, policymakers and employers and learners from a range of sectors. Other winning categories were ‘YMCA Progression of the Year’, ‘YMCA Employer of the Year’ and ‘YMCA Pre-Apprentice of the Year (Study Programme).’
Attendees were addressed by the Rt Hon Robert Halfon – Chair of the Education Select Committee, and held in partnership with MWS Technology – technology pioneers in vocational training, further education and work welfare. The Rt Hon Robert Halfon has been hugely supportive of Central YMCA’s work:
“Apprenticeships provide young people – especially from disadvantaged backgrounds – the opportunity to climb the education and skills ‘ladder of opportunity’. They enable young people to earn while they learn, have no debt and get a good skilled job at the end. The work of Central YMCA could not be more important as they have a relentless focus on ensuring that those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds have a chance to access this ladder of opportunity.
We have a big skills deficit in this country, but we have a big social justice deficit too. The YMCA has a huge role to play as we build an apprenticeship and skills nation.”
For more information about Central YMCA apprenticeships
http://www.ymca.co.uk/apprenticeships
To book an interview, contact:
020 3994 9543 or 07341 072 485
ENDS
About Central YMCA
Central YMCA is the world’s first YMCA, which was established in 1844. As a leading UK health, education and wellbeing charity, we help people to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives in mind, body and spirit. Traditional education doesn’t suit everyone, so we provide young people with alternative life-changing opportunities, which lead to fulfilling employment. http://www.ymca.co.uk/
About MWS Technology,
MWS Technology are pioneers in technology solutions for vocational training, further education and work welfare since 2009. MWS Technology’s flagship product is Aptem – an award-winning, end to end apprenticeship delivery platform, which enables employers and learners to control their own apprenticeship programmes and develop employee skills. http://www.mwstechnology.com/
