Abi on path to bachelors degree thanks to Welsh Government apprenticeship scheme
22 year-old Abi Price from Cardiff is well on her way to earning a bachelor’s degree in ICT, after passing her foundation degree with flying colours.
Abi passed her foundation degree in March 2013 and is now looking forward to taking her leaning further as part of the BT Apprenticeship scheme.
Abi says “When I left school, I initially went down the University route, but it didn’t take me long to realise that it wasn’t for me. I wanted to get hands-on experience, not sit in a classroom for three years. That’s when I went online and discovered the apprenticeship route.”
Abi decided to leave university and instead applied for a Higher Apprenticeship with BT. She got the job, and has since been able to build on her skills portfolio in ICT whilst also studying long distance at Stafford University.
“A lot of people think that if you don’t go to University, you don’t get the student experience of meeting new people and studying alongside them. In reality, for six weeks of the year I was based in Stafford studying alongside other apprentices from all over the country, so I don’t feel like I have missed out on anything!”
Abi is now planning to continue learning long distance with Stafford University and will start studying for a top up Bachelor’s degree in ICT this September. She feels that studying for an apprenticeship helped to give her practical experience that University never could have.
“My apprenticeship enabled me to gain qualifications and an education without any of the debt associated with University. I’ve had some amazing hands-on experiences – even working from the top of the BT Tower in London before. I’m so glad I chose the apprenticeship route; it was definitely the right one for me.”
Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates said: "Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to kick-start a successful career, giving them the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications as well as essential, practical and relevant skills, all while earning a wage.
“But many students are still unaware of the number and variety of options available to them at 16 or 18. As thousands of young people across Wales nervously await their GCSE and A level results this week, we hope that sharing stories like Abigail’s will be helpful to those preparing to make important decisions about their future, and reiterate the variety of options available in Wales.
“The Welsh Government regards apprenticeships as an excellent way to build a skilled and competitive workforce, address skills shortages and ultimately strengthen the Welsh economy."
The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with the support of the European Social Fund.
For more information about becoming an apprentice, or to find out about the other options available to young people, please visit www.careerswales.com/wherenow<http://www.careerswales.com/wherenow or call 0800 100 900.
Also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/apprenticeshipscymru<http://www.facebook.com/apprenticeshipscymru>
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