Shirley-Ann Gentry
Age: 21
Trade: Management
Borough: Hackney
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Management
Background: Previous to K10, Shirley was working for Paddy Power as an assistant manager for around £11 an hour. Shirley started looking for an apprenticeship and was referred over by one of her good friend’s that was already working for K10. Although this seemed like good money at the time she wanted to change to get into an actual career as ‘there is only so far you can go in this type of job’.
What happened next: Shirley was then brought into K10HQ and was put onto a Level 3 Management Apprenticeship with Hamilton Court Developments in Bond Street.
During the Apprenticeship: Shirley said ‘I really enjoyed being on a construction site, the procurement element in which I had to ensure that when I ordered materials they were going to be there on time. Working on the drawings was also really fun. The people I worked with onsite were so helpful, especially when it came to my course. Hamilton Court Developments are such an amazing company and I am so grateful I was placed with them as everyone was so kind to me. My assessor from the college I was placed with was always there for me. She would help me revise for any exams I had and always made sure my work was the best quality I could produce. She helped me so much so I completed my apprenticeship in twelve months rather than the suggested eighteen. If I could go back to the start of my apprenticeship I would try to have more confidence within myself. As I was in a new environment I just really wanted to do well and always questioned everything. If I had more faith in myself, I would’ve done it all the same just a little bit quicker. K10 as a whole were amazing, Jack was so supportive. If I had any questions or if I needed any help he was there to give me advice. K10 were the ones that put me forward for this placement and are the reason I am now being taken on into a full time job.’
After the Apprenticeship: Shirley is now working full time with Hamilton Court Developments as a buyer with a starting salary of £22,500. K10 are so impressed with Shirley and how far she has come since the start of her apprenticeship.
‘Shirley has been nothing short of brilliant during her time with K10. Not many apprentices could have handled her particular role like she has, she definitely knows her stuff and to learn it all so quickly is admirable. She’s a very down to earth girl, I’m sure she’ll go on to have continued success in her job for many years to come.’ Jack Speckman
