National Apprenticeship Week 2025
This week is National Apprenticeship Week, celebrating how apprenticeships are a great way to build experience and gain a qualification. As part of Portsmouth City Council's Employability Academy, care-experienced young people are supported into meaningful employment to develop a career.
Children's social care wanted to recruit someone with lived experience to be an advocate and provide feedback on the best way to support young people.
With the support of foster carers, social workers, and the virtual school service, Jess McGovern-Guess applied for a customer service apprenticeship and was successful. Jess talks about gaining new skills, surprising moments, and her aspirations for the future.
My path to an apprenticeship
I have recently found myself reflecting on my journey before starting my apprenticeship. It all began when I was put into care in year 6.
From year 7 onwards, my life was a whirlwind of change. I moved around a lot, even leaving Portsmouth at one point. This constant moving made it hard to settle in school and build friendships.
By the time I reached year 10/11, I finally stayed in one school, but it just wasn't for me.
Growing through work-based learning
At 17, I worked with my social worker and the virtual school team at Portsmouth City Council.
An opportunity for an apprenticeship in customer service came up. I was so excited. Although I wasn't successful at first, the opportunity came up again.
In my role, I am developing different skills to support customers. I've become much more confident in how I present myself, both with colleagues and the public. I've also learned important communication skills that are essential in a professional environment. These real-world skills have come directly from my apprenticeship.
Choosing an apprenticeship over college was a big decision. The apprenticeship was the best option for me because I could learn and earn at the same time.
I've had to be independent my whole life, and the apprenticeship suited that. It allowed me to work independently but also have the support of a team. This experience has made me more confident in dealing with the public, something I might not have gained elsewhere.
Alongside completing my apprenticeship, I am looking to undertake my maths and English functional skills. The flexibility to complete these qualifications has also been a pleasant surprise.
I don't feel pressured, as I can concentrate on my apprenticeship right now. I hope to complete both qualifications by the end of this year.
Advice and future goals
For other care-experienced young people thinking about starting an apprenticeship, my advice is simple: don't be afraid to ask for help.
Build a support network around yourself. Once you secure your placement, get involved with your colleagues because relationships are important.
Be patient. I wasn't successful the first time I applied, but I didn't give up. Remember, apprenticeships are about learning, so don't get frustrated.
Looking to the future, I hope to pass my apprenticeship and get my qualifications. I want to be the first person in my family to have a career.
I'd like to undertake a higher-level apprenticeship to gain more qualifications and experience. I'm not entirely sure what the end point is right now, but I enjoy working at Portsmouth City Council and hope to continue here after my apprenticeship ends.
Further reading
- Find out more about apprenticeships
- Find more support and opportunities for care leavers with the Care Leaver Covenant
- Discover the latest updates and announcements in the Education Hub
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