Two Youth Work Apprentices are shining brightly as ambassadors and role model apprentices for the Youth and Community Sector. Rachel Henson, 17 has made it through to the finals of Nottingham City Homes 'Dragons Den' awards. This is the latest addition to a string of successes for the Third Star Apprentice.

Earlier this year, Rachel completed her full Youth Work Apprenticeship and went on to secure over £8000 to run her own youth project called Youth Inspired. The project uses music to engage young people and address territory issues. The pitch to the dragons will set out Rachel's plans and ambitions to continue this project further.

Rachel will build on her experience when she starts an Advanced Apprenticeship in Advice and Guidance. This will support her work at Third Star where she is employed full time as a Support Work and Peer Mentor to other Apprentices and learners on Foundation Learning.

Natasha Beer, 22 years old, has made it to the final 3 of the Nottinghamshire Apprentice of the Year awards.  During her Apprenticeship, Natasha appeared as a key speaker at the Nottingham and London Big Conversations. Here she spoke to an audience of 50+ of London and Nottingham's blue chip employers.  This was a daunting experience for Natasha but it helped to boost her confidence.

Natasha has exceeded her Apprenticeship requirements by achieving her Key Skills at Level 2 instead of Level 1. She has pushed her own boundaries with things such as the Big Conversation. She has also sampled other cultures as has recently returned from a trip to Morocco where she experienced different types of youth work (as a volunteer) in a very different environment.

She now works with the Detached Youth Project in Rainworth and with Third Star to support the Foundation Learning Programme.

To find out more about Apprenticeships contact Nick Taylor (Workforce Development Coordinator) on 0115 934 8495 or email nick@enable.uk.net