With barely any water experience at all prior to joining the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Outdoor Adventure), Chloe, a former Oak Academy student is now nearly five months into the Apprenticeship programme with Rockley, and is so far, loving it! She has truly come a long way and now has a variety of water and land-based qualifications under her belt.
Why this course?
I thought it would be a challenge. I hadn’t done much on the water apart from a little bit of paddling and I really didn’t like the idea of being in a classroom all week so A-Levels were not an option for me.
What worked for you?
I really enjoyed going out on the water quite and generally just spending time outside. We had optional training on a Wednesday which, in the first year I didn’t do so much of, but in the second year, I really took advantage of the opportunity.
What did you qualify with?
I came out with my RYA Windsurf Instructor as well as my ERCA certification and several other qualifications.
Did you discuss career options for after your Level 3 course?
Yes, there were a lot of discussions and further information was provided on what we could potentially do: from university and further education options to work and apprenticeship opportunities.
But you chose to apply for the Rockley Apprenticeship. Why?
I wanted to gain more knowledge and develop my skills in everything really, especially the ropes and land-based side of things.
It felt like I had been working towards this for three years and didn’t want to go anywhere else. I liked that I had an idea of how it all worked here and it felt like the natural next step for me. Although I had already been here for three years, starting the apprenticeship still felt new and exciting.
And your future plans?
Moving forwards, I’d like to concentrate more on the rope skills, spend some time working for Rockley and then see where it all takes me.