Emily Wintle: Traineeships Learner of the Year (Level 1)

Emily Wintle is one determined young lady. She has overcome so many knockbacks on the way to becoming a valued member of St Aubin Nursery, Cowbridge.  With Emily’s hard work and the support of ACT Training in Bridgend, Emily completed her Level 1 Childcare Traineeship in a record time of three months with both the trainer and her employer understanding her difficulties. Emily, who lives in Llanharry, is severely dyslexic and requires a lot of extra support to learn new skills. She was statemented throughout school where she was stigmatised for having learning difficulties and felt isolated which affected her self-esteem and confidence.

Despite a lot of hard work and pressure, 18-year-old Emily struggled to gain the four GCSEs she needed for a college course in her dream career of musical theatre. After lots of knockbacks and employers not understanding her needs, Emily found herself a placement in childcare and has not looked back. She is now working full time and undertaking a Foundation Apprenticeship in Childcare with an Apprenticeship pencilled in for next year.

Emily said: “Hard work and dedication has paid off. I am more determined than ever to reach my goal of becoming a nursery nurse.”