Latest news from l&g learning
Abby McGowan - Puddleduck Nursery
During school Abby completed the Employability Award and went on to achieve the National 5 in Early Years which helped her to build the knowledge required to take on an Apprenticeship.
Taking the advice from teachers, Abby progressed to college and completed the NC in Health & Social Care before applying to the Apprenticeship. Alongside her studies Abby worked part time in a local café. All of this prior experience equipped Abby with the skills required to work in a nursery.
Abby’s employer at Puddleduck Nursery were extremely supportive. The Nursery Liaison Manager, Kathleen, had this to say about Abby. “Since starting in Puddleduck nursery, Abby has grown into a confident, bubbly practitioner who has a natural passion when working with children and their family. She is a great support to staff and management and is displaying good leadership skills. Abby is always eager to learn new initiatives and tries to implement these into the playroom, to provide the children with good quality learning experiences. We are excited to see how she continues to grow and what direction her career takes her.”
“Abby has grown into a confident, bubbly practitioner who has a natural passion when working with children and their family”
With the support of her assessor, we found an excellent nursery for Abby to complete the SVQ 3 Social Services Children & Young People. Abby went from strength to strength and has now achieved the award.
Jacqui, Abby’s assessor, spoke highly of her progress and was delighted to see Abby become a qualified Early Years Practitioner.
Well done Abby and good luck in your future career
“Abby has secured a qualified position with Puddleduck Nursery, who supported her through her apprenticeship. Well done Abby on all you hard work”
Well done Abby and good luck in your future career.
Jaidyn Gray - Little People Nursery, Dundee
We all know how hard our apprentices work to secure the right opportunity within a nursery and to fit in as part of the team. It's fair to say that Jaidyn's journey to starting an apprenticeship was longer than most. Having lived and studied in South Africa most of her life, Jaidyn followed in her brothers footsteps moving to Scotland to pursue a career in Early Years.
Jaidyn successfully found employment within a nursery in Dundee and quickly established herself as a key member of the team. Leigh, the manager at Little People Nursery, called L&G Learning looking for a new provider to support Jaidyn (and others) to achieve the SVQ 3 in Social Services Children & Young People. Leigh went on to say…
“Since we decided to join L and G learning for our modern apprentices I feel the candidates are learning far more relevant information and are much more supported throughout their training”
Despite having no formal work experience in a nursery and no qualifications in Scotland Jaidyn thrived on the work-based learning with the support of her assessor Linzi who said “Jaidyn has been a shining star throughout her apprenticeship. Quietly building her confidence, nurturing her babies and learning all the theory behind her practice. Jaidyn is a real asset to Scotland's childcare sector and worked tirelessly to achieve this qualification”. The Manager at Little People has went on to praise Linzi saying “Linzi has been amazing with our candidates, Jaidyn feels she was supported and was given the best guidance”.
Jaidyn went on to complete the Apprenticeship within one year due to the hard work and commitment shown throughout. Leigh was very impressed with Jaidyn’s dedication to the Apprenticeship saying, “Jaidyn has worked very hard and dedicated a lot of her time to ensuring she was gaining the correct knowledge to help her do her coursework and completed her apprenticeship quicker than the estimated time scale which I feel sets a bar for other candidates and will help them learn hard work pays off. We are so proud of Jaidyn completing her SVQ 3”.
“Jaidyn has been a shining star throughout her apprenticeship”
We have no doubt that Jaidyn will be an asset in the Early Years sector and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for her career at Little People Nursery.
Caitlin Dickson - The Park Nursery & Kindergarten
On this SQA Exam results day it’s only appropriate to showcase our recent Modern Apprentice Graduate’s success story. When Caitlin left school she applied to various Apprenticeship providers. Despite giving a good interview Caitlin lacked formal work experience but this did not stop her. She took on board the feedback from us and attended an employability course with Jobs and Business Glasgow to gain formal experience in a nursery and returned for another interview. During this follow up interview Caitlin was better equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to start an Apprenticeship.
Like many, Caitlin’s journey took a few twists and turns along the way. Caitlin successfully secured employment within a local nursery but found out how tough life was as a practitioner and learned a few tough lessons. We work closely with Caitlin to build on her strengths and go back into the world of work to try again. She applied to a position at The Park Nursery & Kindergarten who were pivotal in supporting Caitlin to bring out the best of her abilities. In the end Caitlin has proven herself as an established Early Years practitioner, securing a full time job with her employer. There really is #NoWrongPath as Caitlin has proven.
Brooke Hunter - Headstart Nursery
This was a special one for us. Seeing Brooke go on to achieve her SVQ and become a qualified practitioner was one to be proud of. Brooke won't mind us saying how hard she worked to achieve the apprenticeship, despite some barriers along the way. Your resilience and commitment is exemplary to all apprentices out there.
Brooke’s employer Headstart Nursery were particularly supportive of Brooke in early stages and were key to Brooke’s success. This type of partnership working really helps Apprentices to achieve their goals whilst dealing with life along the way.
If you are interested in applying for an apprenticeship in childcare in the Glasgow area, just get in touch.
Eva Hernan - Little Hands Nursery
Meet Eva Hernan, a recent graduate of our Modern Apprenticeship in Childcare. Eva’s story is a testament to the transformative power of apprenticeships in shaping successful careers.
Eva's story is a little different from others. She was offered an Apprenticeship with Little Hands Nursery at the end of her 5th year in High School. However, Eva decided to stay on and complete 6th year. During this time she worked on completing the National 5 in Early Learning & Childcare which helped Eva develop her knowledge and understanding before progressing to the Apprenticeship. With this knowledge and her experience working within a local soft play centre, Eva felt more than ready to take on the demands of the Apprenticeship.
Within a year, Eva has completed the SVQ 3 Social Services Children & Young People with L&G Learning and secured a full time job within Little Hands Nursery.
“Eva has worked incredibly hard to achieve her qualification, never letting any challenges dampen her enthusiasm. She has shown determination and commitment throughout and it has been wonderful to watch her grow and flourish into a fully qualified practitioner. Her personality shines bright through the nursery and we’re delighted she’s now a permanent member of our team.”
If you’re inspired by Eva’s story and are interested in pursuing a Modern Apprenticeship in childcare then apply now!
Charlotte Peplow - FossoPlay Nursery
We are delighted to showcase another of our recent Modern Apprenticeship achievers. Having recently moved to Scotland, outdoor enthusiast, Charlotte, secured her ideal job at FossoPLAY Outdoor Nursery in Kinross as an Apprentice. Charlotte came to l&g learning excited to start her Apprenticeship and her career in Early Years.
Chris, FossoPLAY Manager, was thrilled to get Charlotte started and commented how dedicated she was to achieving the SVQ.
Linzi Robertson, Charlotte’s Assessor was delighted with her candidates passion and enthusiasm for learning saying…
Well done again from everyone at l&g learning and good luck in your future Charlotte.
“Charlotte had so much passion for her work and improving her own skills, she was dedicated and really eager to learn.”
Lucy Meldrum - Papillon Nursery
Huge well done to Lucy Meldrum who qualified from the Social Services Children & Young People Modern Apprenticeship in August 2023. Lucy’s dedication and commitment to the SVQ meant that she qualified within 12 months.
Lucy was delighted to accept a full time position within Papillon Nursery where she was employed as an Apprentice.
Well done Lucy!
“Lucy had consistent positive feedback from her nursery and came to us with a great attitude to learning and had a great ability to put her new learning into practice.”
New Monthly Mental Health Drop In sessions for all our Modern Apprentices:
L&G Learning are delighted to offer new Monthly Mental Health Drop Ins for all our apprentices with our associate Joanne Docherty. Joanne is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and also teaches Psychology at Glasgow University. As a former L&G assessor, she knows all too well the demands on apprentices to juggle their many responsibilities. Long days at work; assignments; and their own personal responsibilities.
Joanne will be providing monthly Mental Health Drop Ins over zoom where candidates can come for some conversation and support in a comfortable, non-judgemental, relaxed atmosphere. Joanne will be able to provide support and advice for anyone experiencing difficulties as well as resources that you can take away to use in your own time. We recommend you grab your favourite cuppa, stick your pyjamas on and jump on the zoom to say hello. You can stay for as long or as little as you choose!
We will email all our apprentices the link to access the session on a monthly basis.
Congratulations to Jessica who is now a fully qualified Childcare Practitioner!
Jessica has recently completed her Childcare Modern Apprenticeship with l&g learning at Little Hands Nursery
We are super proud of her and thrilled to hear that she has accepted a qualified Practitioner position at Little Hands!
Well done Jessica
In loving memory of gemma trainer
L&g learning will be closed on Thursday the 26th of January for the funeral of Gemma Trainer, our former colleague, our friend, and the daughter of our Director, Lorna Trainer.
Gemma died aged 27 after a relatively short illness as the result of Clear Cell Sarcoma, a very rare and aggressive form of cancer.
We will remain closed the following day, Friday the 27th January to come together as a team, and discuss fund raising, and promoting awareness of Sarcoma cancer.
Gemma worked with l&g learning some time ago and continued to regularly pop into the office over the years for lunch and to have a chat with the staff. Gemma was loved and respected by all at l&g learning; she was part of our extended family. We will miss her so much.
You can read more about Sarcoma here: Sarcoma Awareness
Bon voyage Angelica!
Our Senior Employability Tutor, Angelica Lambert is leaving l&g to spread her wings and go travelling.
Angelica has been with l&g learning since she left school, first attending our Employability Programme as a learner herself, doing her work placement with us and then being offered permanent employment. From there, she worked her way up from receptionist to Senior Employability Tutor.
She has been such a huge part of l&g, providing support and encouragement to both learners and staff alike and we want to thank her for all her hard work and dedication over the years. And also for making us laugh. A lot! Angelica, you'll be so missed.
Check out Angelica’s best bits here.
Iqra Rahim’s Childcare Modern Apprenticeship journey
Iqra Rahim describes what she enjoyed about doing an Apprenticeship in Childcare, why she liked work-based learning and what her plans are for the future.
Our Modern Apprenticeship Training Days are back up and running!
We are pleased to report that now that restrictions have been lifted, our monthly MA training days are back up and running and we can’t wait to welcome all our lovely candidates into our brand new learning centre! Candidates can attend ANY day of the week (Mon - Fri) on the last week of the month.
If you’re aged 25+ and live in Scotland, you’re eligible for unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning until 8 August 2022.
This opportunity has been set up to help you upskill for your current job or reskill for a new role. It is funded by the Scottish Government and gives you access to loads of really helpful information and support, including webinars on how to write CVs and Cover Letters and tips for interviews. Check it out here, at My World of Work
This is how it feels to become a fully qualified Childcare Practitioner!
Congratulations to Charley and Kirsty who recently completed their Childcare Modern Apprenticeships at Little Hands Nursery!
We couldn’t be more proud of them and wish them the best of luck for the future.
Jamie Nicoll’s journey from Employability Course to a Career in Care
Watch Jamie talking about his journey from Employability to Support Worker at Mochridhe in Glasgow. We explore why he chose Employability over College and how his tutors supported him on his journey into a life-long, rewarding career.
Peyvand Alipoor is shortlisted as a finalist for the upcoming Scottish Apprenticeship Awards
We are thrilled to announce that our Modern Apprentice graduate, Peyvand has been shortlisted for the Modern Apprentice of the Year - SCQF Level 6+ award at this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards. You can read Peyvand’s inspirational case study here at skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk.
The ceremony will take place online, on the 9th March 2022 at 7pm. If you’d like to register for the event, you can do so at Apprenticeships.scot.
Congratulations Peyvand!
We’re supporting Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2022 to show the value of Scottish Apprenticeships to people, business and the economy
This year’s theme is Apprenticeships Work, with the aim to highlight how apprenticeships are providing the skills employers need now and for the future. To find out more about how Scottish Apprenticeships work and how to get involved visit Apprenticeships.Scot.
Free Bus Travel for Under 22s
We welcome the Young Person’s Free Bus Travel Scheme which began on the 31st January 2022 in Scotland. This scheme will help to prevent travel becoming a barrier to learning for young people.
For more information about the scheme and how to apply, visit www.transport.gov.scot.
Able Futures from the DWP provides a free mental health support service for apprentices
This service is completely free and will provide up to 9 months of one to one advice, support and guidance for employees who are struggling with mental health issues. This service is available in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions. Check out their website here: able-futures.co.uk
Glasgow Kelvin College win Skills Development Award, presented by Lorna Trainer
An amazing night at the CDN College Awards 2021. A special mention to Glasgow Kelvin College who were presented with the Skills Development Award, sponsored by the Scottish Training Federation and presented by their Chair, and our Director, Lorna Trainer.
We’ve moved location!
We’re excited to announce that we have moved! We’re didn’t go far, just round the corner to 150 West George Street (2nd Floor). We can’t wait to get properly set up and share some photos of our beautiful new space…really looking forward to seeing everyone there soon!
150 West George Street, 2nd Floor, Glasgow, G2 2HG
