Jennifer Lavelle

Jennifer Lavelle is an apprentice at Aon. She explains why she was attracted to the apprenticeship scheme provided by the National Skills Academy for Financial Services (NSAFS):
“When the opportunity for undertaking an apprenticeship arose I didn’t really know what was involved as I thought most apprentices worked in the “Trades” like plumbing or bricklaying.

“I had left school in 2005, and then went on to Sixth Form to study A’ levels. After that I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and so spent a year studying for a Foundation Diploma in Arts. I didn’t really want to carry on being a full-time student and go to university, as I wanted to start working but I found it hard to get a job as I didn’t have much work experience. I also liked the idea of finding a job that would become a career. Achieving that is hard when you don’t have experience.

“When I found out more about the programme I liked the sound of gaining qualifications while working. I started working at Aon within their apprenticeship programme started in October 2008.

“As part of the apprenticeship I study for vocational and technical qualifications at NSAFS provider Farnborough College of Technology. I started an NVQ in Financial Services – which I am currently studying – in October 2007. The programme takes two years – I expect to finish in October 2010. Part of the NVQ is achieving a certificate from the Chartered Institute of Insurance (Cert CII), which includes passing three exams.

“I feel the key benefits of the apprenticeship for me are that I am gaining qualifications, getting “hands-on” work experience, and working in a large company where there is room to develop a career.”