Kirsty Dowden. Business Administration Apprentice

Listen to Kirsty talking to Big Al

My name is Kirsty and I live in the Chadderton area of Oldham, I attended Kaskenmoor Secondary School in Hollinwood from September 2002 till summer 2007. I achieved 12 GCSE’s grade A-C and left school with the intention to continue studying and gaining qualifications, but I also wanted to gain experience in the workplace. Connexions informed me about OTC and the various apprenticeships options they offered.

I started my NVQ level 2 Business Administration in 2007, straight from leaving school. OTC helped me find employment and I stayed within that company for 18 months. In this time I successfully completed my Level 2 apprenticeship qualification and gained sufficient experience in the workplace.

After I completed my NVQ Level 2, OTC informed me of some job opportunities which were available with Oldham Council, my assessor explained that if I took on one of these roles I would be able to progress to my Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 in Customer Service. I decided that this would be a good move forward for me, and I applied for one of the vacancies. I was appointed in November 2009 and since starting my new Customer Services role in the Recruitment Team, my responsibilities have expanded and I have learnt new skills. With the help of OTC I have gained confidence to take on new challenges. I am on track for finishing my NVQ Level 3 by April 2011 and hope to continue to progress my career with Oldham Council.

OTC has helped me progress with my career whilst still gaining qualifications and have offered me all the help and guidance I have needed.