Early years educator apprentice Thomas Miles is enjoying life at Haberdasher’s Castle House School, where he is following the footsteps of his grandfather by working at the school.
Six months into his role, former Burton Borough school pupil Tom entered his apprenticeship at the school with no previous experience in childcare but relishes the challenges it brings and the opportunity to learn.
Haberdashers’ Castle House School, based in Newport, accommodates for students aged two to eleven years old and was first established in 1944.
A career in early years wasn’t always on the cards for Tom, as he originally had set himself up for a career in photography. “I’ve always considered myself as an arty person, I always dreamed of being a photographer, and I ruled out every other option in my life as I was determined that’s what I’d do.
“I studied photography for three years at college, up until HNC level, and I just felt the work had plateaued – I couldn’t see myself going anywhere with it. I still love it as a hobby, but I decided then that I wanted to go home each day, knowing I’d helped someone.
“I saw that the apprenticeship vacancy at Haberdashers’ Castle House School had come up and it was a ‘right place, right time’ situation and I went for it. It’s one of the first times I’d made a choice regarding my work on the spot, I said “I want to do that, I’m doing it.
“My grandad was a history teacher who taught PE here many years ago and I just felt this connection. It’s local and I always drove past the beautiful grounds when I was younger and I always thought ‘wow, I wonder what it looks like in there.’
“I came into this role with no previous childcare experience, so I was very nervous in my first few weeks, but I feel my confidence has really grown and I’m not afraid to ask questions. The team I work with are incredibly supportive and have helped me so much. I can communicate effectively across all age ranges, from the youngest children to staff members and parents.
“I feel good knowing I’m making such a difference to the children here at a crucial age in their development. The children I work with are between two and four-years-old, it’s the biggest transitional period of their life and I get a lot of pride watching each little breakthrough they achieve.
“I found the process of applying for an apprenticeship through Telford College really easy, Sue Williams helped me through my induction period and the lecturers who teach me at the College are amazing.
“Our group of apprentices are a great little community, we all love to help each other through our experiences. I love learning and I really look forward to coming into the college to study, it’s my favourite day!”
Upon finishing his apprenticeship at the school, Tom wants to combine his previous knowledge with what he has learnt on his apprenticeship. “I’d love to bring my passion for art into education in some way. After I finish my apprenticeship, I’d love to get into art therapy, teaching art to students whilst promoting positive mental health.
“Another path I would like to pursue is working in an SEN environment, I have autism myself and I’d like to understand how the system operates and how I can get involved. To me, this apprenticeship is a beautiful first stepping stone into an exciting career.”
Ian Sterling, headteacher at Haberdashers’ Castle House School, said: “Tom is already vastly experienced in customer service and has transferred these skills to a completely new, unfamiliar working environment.
“The training he has received both in the setting and through the college has meant that he has adapted naturally to this new role. He is confident, well-liked by parents, but is not scared to ask for help when unsure. He has a good future ahead of him working in childcare.
“The process of hiring was very straightforward. Telford College have always been supportive and timely with their communications and systems.”
Sue Williams, Business Programme Manager for Early Years at Telford College, said: “’Tom was enthused about the start of his early years study from day one and has embraced all aspects of his L3 early years educator apprenticeship with professionalism, humour and determination.
“Tom strives to create quality pieces of work in line with the knowledge components of his apprenticeship and always goes above and beyond. Tom is extremely popular in his setting and observation feedback from his assessor is consistently exemplary of his practice.”
Are you inspired by Tom’s journey? Take a look at our apprenticeships or visit our next open event.
