From Apprentice Awards Runner-up to Absolute Winner - Well Done Jacob

North Yorkshire Youth Work Apprentice Jacob Conder, aged 24 from Thirsk looks forward to a rewarding career.

Jacob undertook his training with The Clock at Thirsk, completing not only the Apprentice Framework, consisting of NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice plus NOCN Functional Skills in Mathematics and English at Level 2 but additional qualifications too, including Level 3 in Education and Training and First Aid. The results provide a true testament to his hard work and enthusiasm.

The Clock is an independent charitable organisation and Training Provider which delivers a range of innovative services to young people and adults across North Yorkshire and has been a One Awards and NOCN Recognised Centre since the Autumn of 2013.

Starting in July 2014, Jacob was soon recognised for his outstanding commitment and dedication to his work with young people and he was awarded runner up in the respected Hambleton District Council Apprenticeship and Graduate Awards 2014.

The icing on the cake is that Jacob has recently secured employment as a House Parent for the year 6/7 boys at the prestigious Queen Ethelburga’s College situated within an exceptional country park setting in the Vale of York and is set to start in January 2016.

Jacob (pictured left) receiving his award from Councillor Mark Robson

Jacob said:

‘When I started at The Clock I had a small amount of experience with working with young people, but no in depth knowledge in youth work itself. Working towards the Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice provided me with the skills and knowledge to become a successful and competent youth worker.

‘One of the many good things about working at The Clock is that your strengths are noticed and you will be offered training to help improve them and to implement them in your job. I have also been given the opportunity to run activities, supervise on our summer activity programme and run my own project (furniture donations.) These combined have given me the skills needed for a career in youth work’.

‘I have come a long way since I started; I am more confident and knowledgeable. Without my employment at The Clock I would not have been offered the job I am now moving on to’.

Stuart Welsh, Account Manager with One Awards commented:

‘All of us at One Awards send our congratulations to Jacob, a huge well done!’

‘We have worked closely with The Clock at Thirsk and since 2013 they have provided NOCN qualifications and accredited solutions which underpin the organisations innovative approaches to providing education and training. The Clock are well known for their commitment to developing the skills and aspirations of young people and adults across North Yorkshire and their drive for excellence in the quality of their services’.

‘Our varied range NOCN qualifications and One Awards accreditation has clearly proved to motivate and engage Jacob and other learners at The Clock. It’s great to see that our flexible qualifications and units have provided customised solutions for both Trainees and Employers. The great thing about our qualifications is that they offer a clear progression route through to Apprenticeships and employment’.