A former Redcar & Cleveland College apprentice has gained a permanent role with The Junction Foundation following the successful completion of her Level 3 Apprenticeship in Youth Work.

Sophie McCormick, 21 from Redcar, initially applied to The Junction Foundation as a part-time Peer Mentor, but was encouraged to follow the apprenticeship route – which the charity coordinated with Redcar & Cleveland College on her behalf.

Having previously studied Health & Social Care, Sophie was interested in expanding her knowledge in Youth Work and began the course after being assigned an assessor by the College.

Sophie said: “The apprenticeship provided a great opportunity for me to get my foot in the door and gain the hands-on skills and understanding needed to gain employment in youth work – which can be really difficult to get into without prior experience.

“I did find it quite tough at times and without the support of my assessor, I wouldn’t have been able to complete my course. Stacey was supportive throughout and went above and beyond to get me through it – she was a star!

“I’d say anyone thinking about completing an apprenticeship should go for it! It’s a good wage for a young person, lets you gain experience and gets you in front of a company which could even take you on permanently at the end of your course.”