Gemma Passes with Flying Colours

wmsnt's Gemma Lynch from Small Heath has been able to kick start a career in business administration thanks to an apprenticeship offered by West Midlands Special Needs Transport and Bournville College.

Gemma (21) who previously worked within the retail sector, decided she would like a change in career when she came across the role of Administration Assistant with wmsnt. She was successful in gaining the role, on the basis of the job becoming permanent full time if she completed the Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship in Business and Administration with Bournville College. "When I first started my role with West Midlands Special Needs Transport, it was a full time position depending on whether I passed my NVQ. This definitely helped to spur me on" said Gemma.

Gemma has now successfully completed both qualifications and reached her goal of gaining a permanent position with the company. She believes that support gained during her studies became invaluable in getting closer towards a full time position. "Bournville College has really helped me and offered training which has meant that I could gain my qualifications. Sometimes staff shortages in our office meant that I couldn't attend College but Bournville were really understanding of my circumstances and would come out to me at the workplace instead" added Gemma.

June Ford, Administration Manager at wmsnt's Solihull and East Birmingham Depot believes that Gemma's new qualifications are a great step for both, Gemma and West Midlands Special Needs Transport. She said "Gemma has progressed very well during her time here with West Midlands Special Needs Transport. Bournville College helped to provide a focus for Gemma and offered support and guidance to complete her NVQ in Level 2 and 3 in Business and Administration"