Being a mum to four young boys can sometimes feel like a full-time job, so I never thought I’d be able to keep up my learning. My apprenticeship has given me the flexibility I need to spend time with my kids and gain a nationally recognised qualification at the same time. Just last month was Adult Learners Week, which encourages adults from all walks of life to keep on learning and something that I strongly support. My own experience has proved it’s possible, even for busy working mums like me!
Parenting on Female First
After leaving school, I worked for a short time in a supermarket and an old people’s home, but it wasn’t until I joined McDonald’s that I found a place I wanted to stay. I’ve now been with the company for eight years.
I always found school a bit tough and didn’t leave with many qualifications, so when I heard about the McDonald’s apprenticeship scheme I jumped at the chance to get back into learning. I wanted to feel more confident about by abilities and knew good maths and English skills were important to my job as a Shift Manager and could really help me to progress at work.
It was definitely a challenge juggling my job as a working mum and studying for a qualification. With young children to look after it was sometimes tough to find the time and energy to study. I also fell pregnant with my two youngest boys during the apprenticeship. Two bouts of maternity leave meant it took a little longer than originally planned, and at times I never thought I’d make it over the finish line! On the day of my maths paper nerves almost got the better of me, as did occasional attacks of ‘baby brain’ during my studying!
Even after two more babies, I was always committed to finishing the apprenticeship. I know how important it is to build up my skills and it helped that the training really came to life in the restaurants and showed me how the things I was learning could be applied my daily job. I’ve learnt all about where McDonald’s food comes from and how its supply chain fits together, which has made me feel part of the wider business. I now have a much better idea of the bigger picture and can see how my role makes a difference.
I finally finished the apprenticeship last year and felt such a sense of pride when I found out that I had passed. I now have an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Hospitality and Catering (level 2), which is accredited by City & Guilds, and equivalent to five GCSEs grade A* - C. When I started learning, I also completed maths and English courses online, which has been a great achievement.
Being an apprentice has really helped me and my family. At work, I feel so much more confident about the work I do and my new skills have really helped with day to day things in my Shift Manager role. And there are benefits at home too. When my kids come home from school with maths homework, I can now help them out and show them how to do it – something I never felt confident enough to do before. My improved maths skills even help with working out my family budget.
Now that I’ve passed the qualification, I plan to stay at McDonald’s and use my new skills to progress within the business. The flexible hours are a real help when it comes to looking after the children. My partner Craig works at the same restaurant as me and we often tag team so there’s always someone at home to look after the family. I work in the mornings until two in the afternoon and then pass the baton to Craig who works the afternoon shift.
I know firsthand how difficult it can be for working mums to keep learning, but the benefits are huge. Completing my apprenticeship has given me a real boost. It has made me feel more confident about the work I do and I feel like I’m setting a good example for my four boys. I’d definitely I’d definitely recommend other mums use Adult Learners Week to check out the different opportunities out there.
Tagged in Parenting Mother Parenting Advice