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Abbie turns passion for children into career

Former Hugh Baird College student, Abbie Walker, has secured an apprenticeship following her Supported Internship work placement at Kids Planet children’s nursery in Crosby.

Abbie, from Crosby, completed her school studies at Sacred Heart Catholic College and subsequently joined Hugh Baird College in 2016 to study their Learning for Life study programme. Abbie successfully completed the course and when deciding her next step, she considered following a career related to a passion of hers – looking after children.

When an opportunity to study a Supported Internship programme with a local children’s nursery was offered by her tutors, Abbie jumped at the chance and in September 2021, now aged 20, she started the programme with Kids Planet nursery in Crosby.

Supported Internships are a structured study programme based primarily at an employer’s premises. They help young people aged 16-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to achieve employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work, through learning in the workplace.

Abbie excellent during her internship at Kids Planet, so much so that in February 2021, managers at the nursery offered her a Nursery Practitioner Level 2 apprenticeship with the company, which she gratefully accepted.

Speaking of her time studying at Hugh Baird College, Abbie said:

“My tutors Kim Brennan and Catherine Kennedy were simply incredible. They pushed me to achieve my full potential and supported me throughout my studies. They instilled in me the self-belief to reach for my goal of working in the childcare sector, and I’m extremely thankful to them for helping me achieve it.”

Talking about her apprenticeship with Kids Planet, Abbie said:

“Looking after children has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I absolutely love working at Kids Planet. The staff have been really welcoming and made me feel at home straightaway.”

Gill Mason, Head of Training & Development at Kids Planet Training Academy, said:

“We are always looking for enthusiastic and passionate people to join the Kids Planet Group and we pride ourselves on valuing our employees and recognising their hard work.”

“Abbie is a superb addition to the team at Kids Planet Crosby. From her early days working with us during her Supported Internship programme, she showed great enthusiasm and a commitment to her role. We were pleased when she accepted our offer to undertake her apprenticeship and we look forward to following Abbie’s career as we support and nurture her to progress within the company.”