Kathryn Wood is getting a qualification on the job

Kathryn Wood, 18, from Yeovil, wasn't happy at school, and keen to get into the job market she started an apprenticeship in Business Administration with learndirect. She's now grown in confidence thanks to the on-the-job skills she's learnt working at the TABS learndirect centre in Yeovil.

Apprenticeships - learning and earning

Kathryn returned to school to do her A-levels, after she'd had a break to do a Performing Arts diploma. "I didn't enjoy being back at school.  I realised I wanted to get a job and start earning as soon as possible and started looking at apprenticeships.

"Doing an apprenticeship seemed like a great way to continue learning but being able to work and earn some money at the same time.

"Learning on the job has really helped me build my confidence.  I'm now much more confident dealing with people and talking to them on the phone.  My IT skills have improved loads and so have my team and leadership skills.

Further qualifications

"I'm due to finish my apprenticeship in January 2012 and hope to keep working at the centre.  I also want to go on and do Open University courses in Business and Leadership and Management to get even more qualifications for the future.
"I'd definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone else. I believe strongly in making people aware of courses available to them which don't involve going to university or studying full time. It's a really good route to take."