Each day during #NAW2020 we will be introducing you to inspirational apprentices and rising stars, working in Local Government in the East of England, who blaze their own trail.
A career in vehicle mechanics was the last thing apprentice Leona Canavan considered when she left school – she wanted to do a hair and beauty qualification like many of her friends. But gradually her focus changed, and she signed up for a course in light motor vehicles at Harlow College.
“I don’t know what changed my mind. I’m a girly girl, love my hair and makeup and false nails at the weekend – but I really enjoy this job. The satisfaction I get from fixing things is immense,” said Leona.
Coming towards the end of her college course Leona decided she wanted to do an apprenticeship and found the EFDC one online. She started work in September last year and is now on year two of her three-year apprenticeship.
“This apprenticeship has helped my confidence, skills and knowledge. We do MOTs here so I’m dealing with members of the public and have to be able to talk to them in non-technical language about their vehicles so my customer service skills have improved tremendously. It is all one team working here which is great as everyone helps me reach my targets.”
Leona is Epping Forest’s first apprentice vehicle mechanic and the first girl in the team and she has her sights firmly set on the future. She’d like one day to be a workshop manager – maybe another first for Epping Forest District Council!
Apprenticeships give the opportunity to look beyond traditional routes into employment and allow you to explore a diverse range of career options in local government and beyond. Our #NAW2020 feature provides just a small taster of the true value that an apprenticeship can bring, to both individuals, local authorities and the wider community in the East of England.