Emma Paipala
“I love animals and, when I did my school
work experience, I went to a dog grooming parlour in Keighley. So it
was only natural that I wanted to take up an Apprenticeship in Dog
Grooming. But there weren’t enough people for the training provider
to start the course. Fortunately, they suggested that I might like
to consider an Apprenticeship in Business Administration instead, as
a trainee, rather than employed status. I accepted the offer and it
was the best decision I’ve made.”
As a trainee Emma received an allowance, at £40 per week, instead of a salary, but she soon found a job with Airedale NHS Trust in business administration and continued her Apprenticeship with them in Keighley. Emma did so well that she won an award for Trainee of the Year in 2001. She was promoted to PA to the Clinical Leader of District Nursing in 2003, at their site in Steeton, near Keighley.
That year she received an information pack from the Council for Administration (CfA) who were looking for suitable apprentices for the Foundation Degree in Business, offered by Leeds Metropolitan University. Emma was interested but uncertain, so she sought advice from a work colleague, who already had a Business Degree. She encouraged her to start the course and has been a source of support ever since. It’s not been easy - Emma has had to juggle her commitments to work, her studies and her horse, Friday.
So Emma is developing a very good career and is now gaining a degree while also being able to afford to continue her love of animals.
