Former Larbert High School Joely Reid (20), studied for a Foundation Apprenticeship in Financial Services at Forth Valley College.
Now a Graduate Apprenticeship at Heriot-Watt University and hopes to complete here MA (Hons) Business Management Degree, she said: “I chose to study the FA at FVC as this was a new and exciting opportunity to build on my work experience and knowledge, whilst being at school. I wasn’t fully sure of what I wanted to do when I left school, therefore I decided that doing this would give me the opportunity to explore college and work-life whilst continuing with my studies and gaining more qualifications.
“The Stirling campus was a great place to learn, allowing us to use the best equipment for assignments and e-diaries to record our learning. The lecturers were very understanding that we were still at school and this was a new experience, giving us full support at the college and also while on work placement at Prudential.
“Studying my FA has benefitted me a great deal in both my professional career and my personal qualities. I believe that completing my FA fully, gave me the confidence that I have today with public speaking and day-to-day tasks within the workplace. I learned from an early age compulsory office etiquette and I believe this has got me to where I am today.
“Completing my FA allowed me to move on to a Graduate Apprenticeship, with a full understanding of work-life balance, along with studies. I would recommend the FA programme to anyone due to the amount of experience I gained from it.
“As said previously, it majorly improved my confidence for tasks in the workplace, such as public speaking, speaking to senior staff, meeting new contacts etc. I fully believe this has taken me to where I am today, as a trusted member of my team in all aspects.
“The best bit of this has been the contacts and friends I made within my time at FVC. Having FVC School Partnership Coordinator Ernie Romer and FA Work Placement Coordinator Iasha Craig to communicate back and forth with was easy at all times, and I know for sure, they would be there for me if I needed them. I am in regular contact with Iasha through all things studies and work, and I am so grateful for this.
“I have also made friends for life through my team at Prudential with regular catchups (pre-covid times) and chats as good friends.
“I now hope to finish my MA (Hons) Business Management degree and move into the client relationship field within Heriot-Watt University. I now enjoy speaking to those external to HWU, and inviting those to join us to expand our Graduate Apprenticeship programs, developing on my relationship management skills, whilst also staying in a team that I love.”