Trying to avoid student debt - considered a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) Programme?

With the worry of falling in to debt if she went to university, Louise decided to research other options. Searching on the internet Louise stumbled upon the BT website and read about the Modern Apprenticeship programme they offered. At the age of 19 Louise was accepted on to the scheme which provides an opportunity to learn new skills and gain qualifications whilst on the job. In her 1st year Louise was allocated an engineer who acted as a ëbuddyí. She was able to do a BTEC Certificate and begin her NVQ. Now in her second year Louise has been given a lot more responsibility working on her own with clients for 2 days a week. 1 day a week Louise attends college to complete her NVQ and the other 2 days are building new skills and doing accreditation learning about safety regulations. In her role as a local service engineer Louise is the only girl in a team of 30 people and proud to be one of 3 female apprentices taken on in her year.

The majority of local engineers are a lot older - most of the men are in their 50s but Louise views this as an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and share what she has learnt on her course with the older generations.

Louise has both a manager and a coach in the apprentice team and the local engineersí team so there is always a high level of support. Every month she has a team meeting to be kept up to date with new safety regulations and has a one to one with her manager every 12 weeks to discuss training, and to have a funding review. The coach is on hand whenever the apprentice needs them ñ they will come to visit, pick up jobs with them and continuously works as the apprentices mentor. At the end of each monthly meeting the apprentices are informed of additional training opportunities. In the summer Louise is taking part in a Youth Leadership Course in Plymouth and this weekend she is on a TA course (team building) with apprentices from across the UK.

ìI couldnít recommend the course highly enough! I canít describe how much I enjoy it. For those people that feel that university is not their thing it really is a good opportunity. I definitely have not looked back!î Louise George.