Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer 2024
Rockley are delighted to be amongst the 50 top SME Apprenticeship Employers for the second consecutive year.
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Jo, a music graduate from the University of Sussex, transitioned from a career in hospitality, where he managed a pub in Southwest London, to an apprenticeship with Rockley College. Despite having no prior watersports experience, Jo is committed to learning and feels that his confidence and his background in music and hospitality has equipped him with valuable skills for his new endeavours.
Jo took a very traditional route when it came to his educational journey – GCSEs, A-Levels and University before immersing himself in an industry (hospitality) that has long been in the family. Looking for a change of scenery, Jo and his partner relocated to Bournemouth where he applied for a job with Rockley in our beachside café. It was working in the café, observing all the college students and apprentices training that motivated Jo to apply for the Level 3 Outdoor Instructor Apprenticeship.
“Seeing it all happening around me definitely inspired me to apply. Being in London for so long, you don’t realise what opportunities there are out there for you.”
Jo is admittedly the oldest (although not old!) and the least experienced of the group but collectively he feels they all work great together as a team. He also feels that his background in musical theatre has been advantageous when working with the college students: “Having the confidence to present in front of a group is a key skill that is currently really helping me.”
As for what the future holds, Jo is still unsure. While he admits to not really being a planner, he knows that the skills he will develop during his time at Rockley will be both invaluable and transferrable. "I’m taking each day as it comes. Each day is a new challenge and it's brilliant."
Why Jo?
As to why Jo was chosen amongst so many applicants, Clare, Head of Education explains why: "Each year we have a large amount of applicants and Jo’s application stood out as someone who had all the skills to be successful, despite being a novice to the sports. With a vibrant personality and a hard working nature, he has made a great addition to the team. Jo brings a completely different skill set - a degree in music for example and will be an excellent role model to our young people."