JOBS AND SKILLS
No complaints
Natalie Burrage with career path
“ I had always thought apprenticeships were for school leavers ,” said Natalie Burrage , who became an apprentice at 31 to restart her career after a tragedy made her rethink her future .
Natalie is now a complaints officer for Ealing Council ’ s adults and children ’ s services . It is a job she gained after completing a one-year apprenticeship last year . Not only was she given a full-time position at the council , but she was also named Apprentice of the Year .
It was a well-deserved achievement which crowned a process that had taken her on quite a journey .
She said : “ I left school early with no qualifications and I started working full time at the age of 18 . I spent seven years working at McDonald ’ s , followed by four years at Ladbrokes . Having three children , I was not really thinking about a career . I just wanted to earn some money and go home to my family .
“ In 2018 my husband passed away . I realised that life is short ; and I wanted to do more with my life – to better myself and make my children proud . “ I received an Ealing News Extra
email [ from the council ] with information on apprenticeships . I had always thought apprenticeships were for school leavers , but I was happy to see there was no upper age limit requirement . It was difficult to decide whether it would be worth taking a pay cut for a year , possibly more , and work in such a different environment but I decided to apply and see how it goes . I ’ m so glad I did .”
During the apprenticeship , Natalie had to study alongside doing her work and needed to take exams to get key qualifications , but she said the training and advice she received proved ‘ very supportive and helpful .’
She added : “ An apprenticeship is a great way to start a career and get qualifications . It ’ s a good foot in the door and Ealing is an amazing place for apprentices .” Read Natalie ’ s full story at ealingnewsextra . co . uk / features / no-complaint
THINKING OF AN APPRENTICESHIP ?
Visit ealingworkwest . com / apprenticeships-zone to find out more about becoming an apprentice , apprenticeship job vacancies and information and resources if you are already an apprentice , including redundancy support .
HIRE AN APPRENTICE On the same webpages , employers can find about hiring an apprentice and the benefits for their business . If they employ an apprentice by 30 September 2021 , they can also apply for a one-off payment of £ 3,000 .
GET IN TOUCH Whether you want to become or hire an apprentice , the Ealing Work West apprenticeship team can help . Contact via email at apprenticeships @ ealing . gov . uk or phone 020 8825 6234 ( Monday- Friday , 9am-5pm ).
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