Nicola Ambler- Nursery Manager
With her background at a training provider, both in Manchester and locally in Ashton, Nicola is a proud advocate for apprenticeships and the benefits they can bring to an organisation and the wider community.
Childcare and Community Centre in Ashton-in-Makerfield is currently home to four apprentices.
Nicola commented “I have worked here for over a decade, and in all of that time we have always had at least on apprentice in our team.
“These apprenticeships enable us to ‘grow our own’. It can sometimes be a challenge to recruit in the early years and childcare sector, and apprenticeships really do give us the opportunity to open our doors to more people and build our team together.
“I am really proud that so many of our apprentices choose to stay with us. My Deputy Manager started here as an apprentice and is still here 20 years later!”
Nicola also sees apprenticeships as a superb option for young people who perhaps don’t think that college is the right path of them.
She added “It’s part of our ethos here to be part of and to support our local community. We have a lot of chats with younger people who are trying to find their path, and we always try to be welcoming, and flexible with placements and experiences to help them make the best choice. It’s about finding the best candidates for us, that we can provide the best experience for.
“We’ve also had older people join us as apprentices, looking to get back into the workplace or change careers, bringing their invaluable life experience.
“We will absolutely continue to offer apprenticeships at Hilton Street and I’d encourage any business or organisation to consider it.”
Ryan - Apprentice
Ryan is from Ashton-in- Makerfield and joined Hilton Street Childcare and Community Centre as an apprentice nearly five years ago.
He is now completing his Level Three, and is looking forward to staying on at Hilton Street once he completes his apprenticeship.
Ryan said “I knew I wanted to work in early years when I left school, and I’m really glad I chose an apprenticeship.
“It gives you firsthand experience of what it’s like to work at a nursery, as that’s exactly what you’re doing.
“I work here all week, with set time to complete my classes for my apprenticeship online.”
With great support from managers and his colleagues, Ryan has really enjoyed his apprenticeship at Hilton Street.
He added “The benefit of an apprenticeship is that you get that experience right from the start- so you know exactly what career you are getting into.
“If you’re leaving school and looking at what to do next, I would definitely recommend looking into an apprenticeship. You earn money while you’re getting your qualification, and you get into the workplace right from the start.”