National Apprenticeship Week: Fifth time a charm for newly-qualified Mia
A Sutton Coldfield early years practitioner who has been diagnosed with ADHD is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by completing her qualification at the fifth time of asking.
After four failed attempts at an apprenticeship, Mia Dale was ready to give up on progressing with her early years career.
But the 23-year-old was referred to Realise, the country’s largest early years training provider, for one more go – and this time she succeeded.
Mia now has the Level 3 Early Years Educator on her CV, which has given her a confidence boost as she continues to work at Family First.
Realise is Family First’s dedicated training provider as the nursery looks to develop its own homegrown talent.
Mia said: “Due to my ADHD, I was finding it impossible to complete the apprenticeship and kept dropping out. I am academically smart, but the other training providers couldn’t offer me the support I needed and I lacked motivation.
“I was working in two other jobs alongside my role at the nursery and it was all too much. I even paid privately to do the apprenticeship once and still dropped out.
“I moved to Family First two years ago and, after a short period, told my manager that I really wanted to be qualified. That’s when I was put in touch with Realise.
“The support I received was chalk and cheese from my previous experiences. My tutor, Tracey Ford, really understood my circumstances and wouldn’t let me quit.
“Other tutors gave me long lists of work and that felt overwhelming. Tracey broke everything down into manageable chunks.”
Mia originally studied midwifery at university but did not complete the degree, instead opting to enter the workplace in early years.
She said that while she doesn’t intend on embarking on any further higher level apprenticeships, she now feels capable of forging a career within the sector.
“I already knew the job and the day-to-day requirements, but the apprenticeship has given me the confidence that I am capable,” said Mia.
“Further apprenticeships probably aren’t for me, but I believe I can push forward towards management positions in the future.
“I really enjoy the job. It’s a privilege to be trusted by the parents to look after their children. I am in the toddler room currently which is where many big milestones happen.”
Realise's Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship takes 14 months to complete and covers safeguarding, child development, legal requirements and health & safety.
For more information, visit realisetraining.com
