22-year-old Cian Owen, from Bangor, never imagined he would land a career in the childcare sector when he left school.
With initial ambitions of a career in IT, Cian never could have predicted the journey that his career would take in just a few short years.
He’s encouraging others who are deciding their next steps to take the leap and gain experience in an industry they’re passionate about.
Facing challenges
“I initially wanted a career in IT, but as I finished college, COVID-19 hit, and it messed up all of my plans. Trying not to get deterred, I decided to start my own business as a window cleaner.
“I needed to start working and earning money because I had to pay for things in life like my car and bills. I was quite lucky to have a job at a time when other people were really struggling. I enjoyed my job, but I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do forever.”
Finding an apprenticeship
Looking for his next opportunity, Cian, with the help of Working Wales and a careers adviser, found an opportunity in a completely different industry.
“I found an advert online for an apprenticeship at a childcare nursery, Ffalabalam, in my local area. This was very different from anything I had experienced before, but I have wanted to work with children for a while, so it seemed like the right opportunity for me. I spoke to my parents about the role, and they said, ‘go for it!’.
“I’m almost a year into my apprenticeship now and I’m loving it. I usually work with children aged 2-3; I help them get the most out of playing and learning and it’s so rewarding to see them develop.
The benefits of getting support
Cian is urging others to seek guidance from those around them when thinking about their next steps.
“I went straight into work after college, and I haven't regretted it. It helped me get experience and earn money straight away. I also learnt social skills, how to deal with money and how to be more independent as a person.
“And now that I’m doing my apprenticeship, I’m gaining a qualification alongside working.
“What I’ve learnt is that you don't need to choose your career for life the moment you leave school. I started cleaning windows, and now I'm here looking after children, they're not similar at all. You can change and choose what you want to do in the future. But you should do something you enjoy.
“If [young people] are worried about their next steps, I’d tell them it’s important to talk to the people around them – family, friends, teachers. But there are also careers advisers through Working Wales, which really helped me too. They want to help you, so don't hold back from getting help from them.”
Explore
A guaranteed offer of support for 16 to 24 year olds in Wales to gain a place in education or training, find a job or become self-employed. Feed your positivity with the Young Person’s Guarantee.
Whether you are finding your way in the world of work, or taking steps towards a career change, an apprenticeship could be for you.
Get support to explore your options.
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