02 April 2002

Jenny Edyvean (18) from St Austell, has achieved the goal she set herself when she left Poltair Community School two years ago.

"I knew that I wanted to do administration work, and when I explained this to Cornwall Careers they referred me to Ultra Training," said Jenny.

"Ultra arranged a placement for me at Thermatech Timber Structures in St Austell, and after a month's trial with the firm, I started training for a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship in Administration at NVQ Level 2. It involved on-the-job training combined with day release at Ultra Training."

Jenny successfully completed her NVQ and went on to acheive NVQ Level 2 in IT also as a Foundation Modern Apprentice. She is now working towards an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Administration.

"I've gained certificates in Key Skills, which includes working with number and communication, and I've passed various RSA exams in text processing," said Jenny. "My work as a clerical assistant is very varied. It ranges from reception and telephone duties, which involves dealing with customers and sub-contractors, to processing invoices and setting-up letters on the computer."

Jenny wants to continue learning new skills and gaining more qualifications. "I would like to become more involved with handling accounts and, as a start, I will be taking a book-keeping course," she said. "I also want to broaden my understanding of the business generally, and learn more about the technical side of things."

"I think there's a lot to be gained from training as a Modern Apprentice. For a start, you get paid while you are a trainee. The hands-on training, and the qualifications you work for, are completely related to the tasks you are expected to do in the workplace. I believe that I'm learning more than I would do at college, and this type of training makes me feel I am being treated as an individual rather than as one of a group of students.