WITH the end of the school term just weeks away, one 17-year-old hopes to inspire other youngsters to follow her in footsteps by starting a career through an apprenticeship.

Klaudia Rak first stepped through the doors of the Harvester restaurant in hope of finding a job she could start a life with.

And now, nearly 12 months on, Klaudia is well on her way to achieving that goal having nearly completed a Level 2 Food and Beverage apprenticeship with Lifetime Training and Mitchells & Butlers.

The apprentice training provider, Lifetime Training, currently has seven apprentice vacancies open in the town and Klaudia hopes she can inspire others to take a different path to getting their dream job.

“I had little side jobs working in a café while I was at school at Isambard and Swindon College so I knew I wanted to go into the services sector and my friend who was working here told me about this place," she said. "I came for a three month trial and I really enjoyed it and thought why not do an apprenticeship at the same time.

“An apprenticeship is definitely a way of getting into work than sitting in a classroom to get a job. The work I have done here is great because it teaches you more because it is real life. It is hard work but by doing it and knowing you’ve done alright makes you want to get higher up the ranks which is what I’m trying to do.

“I am not going to lie, my grades weren’t the best but I knew looking at a textbook in a classroom wasn’t for me. But since coming here, I’ve learnt way more than I thought I would and it will all help me in life.”

Lifetime Training hope interested school leavers apply for the roles while they are still available, citing that an apprenticeship can give teenagers the opportunity to earn while they learn, provide on-the-job training, gain industry recognised qualifications as well as learn from professions in the trade.

For Klaudia, having worked hard on-the-job and at her exams, the 17-year-old has impressed her bosses resulting in her being put forward for a junior team leader role.

“Because I’ve been able to work here while studying and I’m working my way up, it is definitely somewhere I want to stay," Klaudia said.

“My boss has given me a lot to do in all areas so that I learn a bit of everything which has helped me gain more experience and hopefully become a team leader. It is all going to help me in the long-run.

“When I come here, it doesn’t necessarily feel like work. But for me, I feel like this place is my second home and I spend so much time here, everyone has become like family. The team work they have here is so amazing and you can only get that if you are out in a job."

For more information, visit www.lifetimetraining.co.uk.