Exeter apprentice runs the show at dance studio
Apprentice Lily Woodworth has won the ‘Apprentice of the Month’ award from local apprenticeship provider Skills Group. Lily started as an apprentice with Exeter-based DanSci Dance Studio and has recently been promoted to Studio Manager, while simultaneously showing outstanding commitment to her apprenticeship.
Lily, 20 and from Heavitree, is currently undertaking an apprenticeship in Customer Services with DanSci, having previously studied A Levels at college before realising full-time education no longer suited her. After speaking to Careers South West, Lily made contact with Skills Group who put her forward for a business apprenticeship with DanSci Dance Studio.
Ava Barron Thomas, the owner and a teacher at DanSci, said “Lily’s shown huge amounts of initiative and has been very adaptable - going above and beyond doing tasks that aren’t even in the job description! She’s become part of the family here at DanSci and that’s what we are really, a family!
“For us the apprenticeship scheme with Skills Group has been brilliant! For a small company, we’ve had so much support from
Skills Group and of course Dee [Lily’s assessor], who has always been there whenever we need her. We’d tried the apprenticeship route previously but had a bad experience. However, with Skills Group we’re extremely happy and know that with their support, apprenticeships can certainly help grow our business.”
Lily said “I’m very proud. I’ve worked hard along with Dee - she’s given me so much support. I don’t think I would’ve got on as quickly without her.
“I am really happy I went down the apprenticeship route. I feel I’ve learned so much about the world of business, and an apprenticeship gives you first-hand knowledge that you can put into practise immediately. I don’t think you can get this experience anywhere else.”
Dee Navickaite, Lily’s Skills Group assessor, said “Lily has met all targets set and, in most cases, she’s exceeded expectations and assessment criteria. Lily demonstrated competency in areas of a much higher standard than the level of her apprenticeship.”
As Skills Group’s ‘Apprentice of the Month’ Lily was presented with £25 worth of Love2Shop vouchers and a certificate in recognition of her outstanding efforts throughout her apprenticeship so far.
Once Lily has completed her apprenticeship, she is hoping to move on to higher level qualifications in business administration and management, and possibly go on to university.
