Two Redcar & Cleveland College students have recently had their hard work recognised, with them both achieving Staff Member of the Month during their apprenticeship in a local nursery.

Reegan Whyman, 18, and Charlotte Takacs, 25, are apprentices at Sunshine Day Nursery in Redcar, working four days a week and then attending their class at Redcar & Cleveland College on a Wednesday afternoon for the CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Workforce.

Reegan started her apprenticeship in February 2017 and cares for children aged between 3 and 10 years old, whilst Charlotte joined last October and looks after younger children aged 2 to 3.

Their roles vary day-to-day and both agree that the experience gained from learning on the job has been invaluable. Reegan said:

“No two days are ever the same and even though this can be challenging, working on the job has been very beneficial. You get to apply the skills you’ve learnt in the classroom and put them into practice in the working environment and be paid for it too.

“In this apprenticeship I have built strong relationships with both the children and their parents. It’s very rewarding watching the child’s development and I feel proud when a child can write their own name and it’s because you have taught them to do that.”

To be considered for Staff Member of the Month at Sunshine Day Nursery, the staff are asked to use the new family app to vote for the colleague who they think has done well that month and deserves recognition for their hard work. They are asked to leave feedback to explain their decision.

Charlotte, who received her nomination from her Manager, said:

“Being able to see the positive feedback that your colleagues have shared is very beneficial. It makes you feel better about yourself because it’s clarification that you’re doing a good job and making a difference in the nursery and to the children.”

As Employee of the Month, not only are they recognised on the app, but they are rewarded with a £15 Boots voucher and a star is added to their photograph on the nursery wall for colleagues and parents to see.

Josh Hawthorne, Manager at Sunshine Day Nursery, added:

“Since starting their apprenticeships with us, both Reegan and Charlotte have been awarded staff member of the month. I can't speak highly enough of them both, and they are held in high regard by the rest of our team.”

If you would like to find out more about Apprenticeships, Redcar & Cleveland College are here to help. Visit www.cleveland.ac.uk/apprenticeships or contact the Apprenticeship team on 01642 777 064.