ICT Higher Apprenticeship Success for Sixth Form College Student

10 August 2015

Sixth Form College Student, Ashleigh Boden, has been accepted onto one of Unilever’s highly sought after Business Apprenticeships. Ashleigh, who joined the College from Ridgeway High School, will be kick-starting her career in Unilever’s ICT Higher Apprenticeship from September.

During the 18 month course, Ashleigh will gain a Foundation degree in Computing and IT Practice and a Level 4 Diploma in Professional Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals. Ashleigh will also be paid during her time on the Higher Apprenticeship and has hopes of progressing on to full time employment within the company following its completion.

Ashleigh, who studies ICT, English Language and Mathematics, recently decided that a Higher Apprenticeship was the best route for her, “I had always imagined I’d go to University, however, I’ve realised that learning the skills I need whilst working in a professional environment is much better suited to my learning style and therefore the apprenticeship route became a much more appealing option. Unilever is a large global company so it will provide me with invaluable experience within a corporate working environment whilst I study for my qualifications.”

Ashleigh faced a tough application process before being accepted onto the scheme, completing online tests, a telephone interview and attending an assessment day where she completed various activities including a presentation and team building and communication exercises.

Ashleigh was encouraged to apply for the apprenticeship by John Doherty, Head of Learner Services at The Sixth Form College and was delighted with the support she received,

“John Doherty was really helpful and supportive throughout the process. I could go to him with any problem no matter how small and he would make the time to help me. The College helped to spark my passion for ICT – the teachers and classes were brilliant and made deciding my future career path an easy decision. The independent learning that is encouraged at College has given me the confidence to know I can be successful in ICT and I can’t wait to get started on the Higher Apprenticeship.”

John Doherty commented, “The College is continually building links with large companies such as Unilever with several of our students taking full advantage of the opportunities available to them.” Eight of our AS students recently completed Unilever’s own prestigious Science work experience programme and student, Aklack Hussain, is currently completing a 4-week research placement at the laboratories through the Nuffield Foundation. John added, “I’m delighted with Ashleigh’s success and pleased her hard work has paid off. We will continue to support our students in every way possible to ensure they have the necessary skills and confidence to achieve their aspirational goals.”