Year’s study brings impressive Portfolio

(This the second part of a double feature that was featured in the Winter ‘05 edition of Aim Higher... ON TARGET, the University of Luton’s magazine about Further Education)

 

Leigh, tell us about yourself?

I’m a versatile and talented artistic person – or so I have been told. I’m active and adventurous and always looking for new challenges. My parents are divorced, and I have lived with my mum for the past 10 years.

 

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship was another attribute to my CV. I looked at Administration first, but Donna and I decided that a

Customer Service apprenticeship would be more practical. I studied for one year, and finished with an impressive portfolio.

 

What was the best part of doing an apprenticeship?

Learning about the workplace. My customer service skills have definitely improved.

 

Why did you choose Eclipse Training?

My employer suggested the course, as it was free. I thought it would be a good time to learn about customer service.  They were also based close to home – which provided easy communication and assistance.

 

What support did you get?

The support from Eclipse was excellent – friendly and very helpful. Monitoring was also very good. My employer was happy for me to just get on with it, and participated in reviews.

 

Why did you choose to do a degree?

I chose to study a degree again after quitting at Bradford University a couple of years ago. At that time, I felt that it was not for me. Farnham, however, is an art and design college, so I don’t regret changing. This degree really stood out. It was different, and it focused on the future. It is

also a course where thinking sideways is important, and is more practical than theoretical.

 

Did you have any role models?

That would have to be my mum – as a role model for succeeding.  

 

Does having real work experience put you in a different position to other students?

Definitely. It gives you confidence and makes you more streetwise. For a course like this, you need this experience, otherwise you

are living in a dream world when it comes to creating a project.