Friday's apprentice: Ricardo Daniel
Name: Ricardo Daniel
Age: 25
Job title: Play Service Apprentice
Department: Play Service, Children and Families
How long have you been on your apprenticeship?
18 months
What made you decide to apply to become an apprentice and why at Ealing specifically?
I wanted to work with children and young people but didn’t have the necessary qualifications, and I needed to work as well so an apprenticeship ticked all the boxes. I chose Ealing because I grew up in the borough and had previously been on a pre-apprenticeship programme doing what I do now. The team I work with have been so supportive I don’t want to leave!
What were you doing before you began the apprenticeship?
If I’m honest not much! I was coming to the end of a course and had no clue what I was going to do next. All I knew was I wanted to make a difference in my community, helping other young people who maybe didn’t have the chances or breaks that helped me turn a corner in my life.
What is your career goal?
I want to become an advocate for play and the benefits of it in the learning and development of children and young people….but first a senior play leader!
What has been your biggest accomplishment since you’ve started your apprenticeship?
I have loads! I think the main ones are completing my Duke of Edinburgh gold expedition (climbing two mountains), being responsible for the planning and delivery of my own sessions and training other junior staff in child protection. Oh and speaking in front of royalty at the opening of a youth centre!
Why should other young people apply for an apprenticeship at Ealing Council?
You gain so much more than just a qualification. It helps you to grow as a person not just professionally. It teaches you skills you can’t learn in a class room and allows you to use them within your role. The skills and experiences can also be transferred to other jobs. The council are supportive and will always try to meet your needs and work with your natural abilities. It is a real challenge and isn’t always easy (nothing good is) but it is so rewarding.
Do you have another job or a hobby that you do outside of your apprenticeship?
I am a volunteer youth worker and expedition leader (with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Team), I also sing, write and co-produce my own music and I’m writing a non-fiction book. I also like doing the usual things like hanging out with my friends and chilling with my family on a weekend.
Who do you aspire to be like and why?
Hmmm. That’s difficult but…it would be a couple of the male play workers/managers I have been privileged enough to work with. They are passionate about their work; they know their role and do it to the best of their ability, they have vision and drive and could probably do anything they wanted to do, but luckily they’re here with play service!
Any other comments
Doing this apprenticeship has changed my life and given me direction. I now know what I want to do with the rest of my life and would like to thank every person who has believed in me and challenged me and supported me throughout my time at the council! The play service rocks!