01 March 2002

Shelley Fletcher aged 19 from Marazion, moved from Rugby to Cornwall with her parents when she was 14. She left Mounts Bay School in Penzance at 16 with an impressive collection of 10 GCSEs between grades A* and C. "I wanted to be out in the world doing a job, getting experience in the workplace, and studying for qualifications at night school rather than going full time to college," said Shelley.

"I realised that tourism was a major industry in Cornwall, and one that would grow. I thought that it would be interesting to do some form of tourism-related work promoting the county, and I contacted the local careers centre. They referred me to Ultra Training in Penzance and things took off from there."

"Ultra arranged for me to attend an interview for a trainee general administrative assistant vacancy in Penwith District Council's tourism office. I was successful and started in January 2000 as a trainee earning £50 per week, gaining work-based training for qualifications at the same time - it was just what I wanted!"

After 18 months, Shelley successfully applied for a full-time position with the Council as its tourism clerical officer. With day release for training at Ultra, she has achieved a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship by gaining NVQ Level 2 in Administration, and Key Skills such as application of number, IT and working with others.

In addition, Shelley has taken Welcome Host tourism training courses. She also completed a "Train the Trainer" course, and is now qualified to train new members of staff. She is one of only seven people in the Council able to train people in the new computer system.

"No two days are the same," said Shelley. "My work ranges from filing, answering telephone enquiries, and writing letters, to helping to organise conferences and events promoting the area, and maintaining the database for our accommodation booking system. I also attend exhibitions, some of which are held abroad, to promote Devon and Cornwall.

Shelley is continuing training as a Modern Apprentice, working for NVQ 2 in Customer Service, and attending night school at Penwith College studying A-level Travel and Tourism.

"I want to continue learning and gaining qualifications, and I may take an Open University degree in tourism management. For young people who don't want to carry on learning at college or university, training as a Modern Apprentice is great. It gives you the opportunity to be out there doing a real job, getting experience in the workplace as well as qualifications."