When it comes to choosing the right career path, some young people know exactly what they want to do, and Katie was one of them. From the age of 13, she had a clear passion for working with children, and it quickly became obvious to her family that a career in childcare was the perfect fit.
Her mum, Philomena, shares their journey to finding the right apprenticeship and why Swift was the turning point in making Katie’s dream a reality.
Finding the Right Path
By the time Katie was preparing for sixth form, she had already set her heart on becoming an early years teacher. “The children seemed to adore her, and she loves being around them,” Philomena explains. “We looked at different career routes and came across apprenticeships on gov.uk. That’s when we found Swift.”
For Katie, the apprenticeship route offered the perfect balance: the chance to earn while gaining hands-on experience, with a clear path to a professional qualification.
Why Swift Stood Out
Katie had been in contact with other agencies before finding Swift, but something felt different this time.
“Other providers weren’t getting back to her quickly,” Philomena recalls. “But after her first interview with Hannah from Swift, everything changed. Hannah offered her the apprenticeship straight away and explained the whole programme clearly, including an in-depth PowerPoint about the first eight weeks. It was the first time any of it had made sense to me as a parent.”
Philomena was especially impressed by the extra support Swift provided. “Katie was immediately introduced to Del, who ran a CV workshop. Even her school hadn’t offered that. It gave her so much confidence, she went from being scared to feeling prepared and excited.”
The Swift Experience
For Philomena, Swift’s approach was exactly what her daughter needed at such a pivotal time.
“The process was just perfect,” she says. “At 18, it can all feel very overwhelming, but Swift made everything clear and approachable. They reassured her, supported her, and gave her confidence that she was in safe hands. As a parent, that was all I could ask for.”
Katie’s Excitement for the Future
After completing her trial and interviews, Katie’s enthusiasm only grew. “She came out saying how much she loved it,” says Philomena. “She can’t wait to start work, earn money, and learn. She loves being with the children, and she’s already talking about her next steps and long-term career goals. She’s got a plan, and she knows exactly where she’s headed.”
Advice for Other Parents
Philomena’s message to other families considering Swift is simple:
“Go for it, don’t hold back. I’d recommend Swift to anyone whose child wants to get into childcare. Other providers didn’t give us the same level of clarity or support. Swift made everything so easy to understand, and they really care. If your son or daughter is passionate about childcare, Swift is the place to start.”
Katie’s journey is just beginning, but thanks to Swift, she’s already well on her way to building a fulfilling career in childcare.
