Wednesday's apprentice: Shannon O'Neill
Name: Shannon O'Neill
Age: 19
Job title: Youth Worker Apprentice
Department:
Platform 51 (Youth, Connexions and Play Service)
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 wanted to become an apprentice because I liked the idea of completing a qualification whilst gaining valuable work experience. I did not want to study full-time, however I still wanted to gain a qualification. I wanted to become an apprentice with Ealing Council specifically because I had previously completed a pre-apprenticeship programme with Ealing and it was a wonderful experience, and I got a lot of support from the team and from my manager. I was then very confident that I wanted to return to work as an apprentice for Ealing, so I then applied for a full-time position.
What were you doing before you began the apprenticeship?
After completing the pre-apprenticeship programme I went travelling for three months in Latin America, when I returned to London I got a part-time job as a waitress but I was doing nothing in the week. I received information through the Connexions service about the apprenticeship vacancies and they supported me to apply. I was successful and I am now working as an Ealing apprentice, based with a women’s organisation called Platform 51.
What is your career goal?
I plan to complete my apprenticeship and then go to university and study human rights with spanish. After university I want to go travelling around the world for a year and then come back to London and work for Ealing Council!
What has been your biggest accomplishment since you’ve started your apprenticeship?
My biggest accomplishment since starting my apprenticeship has been growing both professionally and personally. A lot of my work with Platform 51 involves planning, delivering and evaluating group sessions. Engaging with young women on a personal level and playing the role of a peer mentor. I feel I am in a good position to relate to the young women I am working with as I have a lot of life experience and have overcome a lot of my own difficulties growing up.
Why should other young people apply for an Apprenticeship at Ealing Council?
I would encourage other young people to apply for an apprenticeship with Ealing Council because it is a wonderful opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge - to grow as a person and build new professional relationships within your role. It also gives you the confidence to move forward and apply for other opportunities, such as jobs or courses.
Do you have another job or a hobby that you do outside of your apprenticeship?
Yes, I work part-time as a receptionist for a Saturday school and I study Spanish in the evenings at Hammersmith College. I am also an active member of my church and I attend on average three times a week.
Who do you aspire to be like and why?
I am fortunate to have had many inspiring people in my life growing up and I do not have a specific person who I would aspire to be like as I feel I would love to reach my full potential. The women who have made an impact in my life all have many characteristics and qualities which I would like to have as well.