DCG Success Stories

Derby College Group Early Years apprentice Lauren Chorley always knew she wanted to work in a caring role.

But she was also equally certain that she didn’t want to go to university.

So, after obtaining A-levels in English Language and English Literature, as well as Sport and Exercise Science (Level 3 Extended Certificate), at Jospeh Wright Centre, Lauren applied for an apprenticeship via DCG.

She said: “Derby College helped me get my level 3 apprentice placement at Carlyle Infants and Nursery School in Littleover and I’m so pleased they did.

“I love going into work every day; I could not be in a better school. The staff are amazing. They appreciate that I am an apprentice and are so supportive.”

Lauren, who goes into the Roundhouse on day release once a week, works with three to four years olds in the nursery class – a job which can be both challenging and rewarding.

She said: “It’s hard to see children upset at leaving their parents for the first time, but it’s good to be able to help them settle in and watch their progress as they make their way through school.

“It’s nice to know you’ve helped to build their learning foundations.

“My apprenticeship has also given me opportunity to work with children who have additional needs – something I hadn’t encountered before. I’ve found it really interesting; I did well in that unit in my longitudinal studies.

“I’ve always been around caring people and I knew I wanted a job involving caring. I was that kid with the fake register for my dolls!

“My mum worked in a nursery when she was my age and  she’s now a nurse in a care home. I took a lot of inspiration from her.

“I’m so glad to be in the workplace and getting paid to learn, not at a uni sitting behind a desk every day. It’s just not me.”

Since Lauren joined Carlyle as its first apprentice last October, the school has taken on another DCG early years apprentice in the reception class.