Tuesday's apprentice: Luisa Cantore
Name: Luisa Cantore
Age: 19
Job Title: Leader’s apprentice
Department:
Legal and democratic services
How long have you been on your apprenticeship?
Six months
What made you decide to apply to become an apprentice and why at Ealing specifically?
I decided to become an apprentice because after finishing college I realised that university wasn’t for me, and felt that an apprenticeship could offer me the best opportunity to continue to learn and work at the same time. I’m also someone who learns better when I try things, therefore being an apprentice was a good way for me to learn more in a way that suited me. I applied to Ealing Council as after having attended a school within the borough it made me see how diverse and interesting the Ealing community is.
What were you doing before you began the apprenticeship?
Before my apprenticeship I started doing my A levels, I soon realised that A levels were not for me so I left and attended college where I did a qualification in business administration.
What is your career goal?
My career goal would be to get a job I love and that I am good at. I would like to obtain a permanent position within the council as I find this type of work challenging but yet rewarding, with lots of opportunities.
What has been your biggest accomplishment since you've started your apprenticeship?
My biggest accomplishment since I started my apprenticeship is being able to increase the confidences of councillors with new technology.
Why should other young people apply for an Apprenticeship at Ealing Council?
I think that apprenticeships are a great way for young people to learn through work. University is not for everyone and sometimes you can be made feel inadequate for not having attended a university; an apprenticeship enables you to be proud of what you have achieved, it's learning through a hands on approach, so I would definitely tell anyone that was thinking about it to just do it. I believe that you can learn and gain many more life skills through an apprenticeship, and in a working environment as you can learn something new every day. With the council you get a training allowance and get an education at the same time. Apprenticeships also allow you to learn life skills that will help you with future jobs, and life in general.
Do you have another job or a hobby that you do outside of your apprenticeship?
I enjoy photography and socialising with my friends.
Who do you aspire to be like and why?
I aspire to be someone like Anita Roddick, because she is a hardworking, innovative business woman, who founded her own company through something she believed strongly in. I aspire to be like her as she showed that if you believe in something, you can accomplish anything. As well as having her own company she was also very family orientated. She did receive criticism but she stayed true to her values.