Member Article

Big future for new trio at Little Explorers

Lancashire-based Little Explorers Nursery and Pre-School has successfully recruited three local apprentices with the help of Runshaw Business Centre.

Hannah Parkinson, 18, from Astley Village and Sandra Kruczek, 17, from Bamber Bridge are working towards a Level 2 Children and Young People Workforce Apprenticeship, whilst 19-year old Sarah Story from Croston is on a Level 3.

Each apprentice supports the team of childcare staff, which collectively has more than 50 years’ experience, to track learning and development, maintain health and safety standards and adhere to key legislation.

Little Explorers, located on Euxton Road, Chorley, caters for up to 90 children from birth to five years.

Lindsey Baines, manager at Little Explorers said: “Each of the girls has been a fantastic asset to the team and we’re delighted with their progress and development.

“They’ve played a key role in providing outstanding levels of care by ensuring the nursery is safe, comfortable and well-equipped to aid learning and development.

“Apprenticeships are a great way to attract and develop home-grown talent and I would recommend any employer to consider the benefits of hiring an apprentice.”

Little Explorers has also received funding through the Employment Support Initiative, which helped with the purchase of resource books and ongoing training courses for its apprentices.

This unique partnership between Chorley Council and Runshaw Business Centre helps local employers overcome the funding barrier of hiring an apprentice by providing vital money to purchase new equipment and resources such as computers and uniforms.

Adrian Roscoe, business centre manager at Runshaw College, added: “Throughout their apprenticeship we’ve seen Hannah, Sandra and Sarah develop from school leavers into young professionals.

“Little Explorers has provided these young girls an opportunity to get paid while they learn a trade, enabling them to gain crucial on-the-job experience alongside their apprenticeship.

“In a highly competitive job market, work experience is just as important as a qualification, that’s why we’re urging more local employers to help people gain both.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .