Katie Atherton

(EXTERNAL) APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH

April 2020

Katie is originally from North Wales, but moved to the Rhondda area when she was young. She’s now settled in Ynyshir in the Rhondda. She attended Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn, and then to Ysgol Gyfun Cymer. She returned to her primary school as a teaching assistant for many years, but she’s now a teaching assistant at Ysgol Bronllwyn. Katie has completed a year of her apprenticeship and gained a Level 2 qualification in 'Activity Leadership', as part of the Urdd's external apprenticeship scheme! She was offered the opportunity to continue with doing a Level 3 apprenticeship in 'Sports Development' with the Urdd, and Katie was very keen to continue. Here's a little about her work and interests!

Why did you decide to take up a Sports apprenticeship with the Urdd?

The opportunity came when I was working as a 1: 1 at Ysgol Llwyncelyn. I was really interested in the apprenticeship, because I help teach karate to kids at my dad's club. I also wanted to develop my skills within other sport.

What do you enjoy most about your job and how has the apprenticeship affected it?

I like the fact that I can be creative in my job and can develop my skills in different forms for the children. The apprenticeship has kept me busy and taught me a great deal of sports knowledge to help within lessons.

How important is it to do your apprenticeship through the medium of Welsh?

I'm very proud of the Welsh language and have been fluent since forever; so it's important for me to learn in the language.

How has doing the apprenticeship affected your personal development?

I have learned a lot about how to coach in sport and this has given me much more confidence to teach in front of a large class with parents watching! 

Briefly describe your duties.

I am now an assistant at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bronllwyn and help children within the class to develop their skills in different subjects.

What are your interests outside of work?

My main interest is karate! My dad runs a club locally, where I help teach weekly.I also compete! I like to relax by going for a walk with the dog up the mountain and watching movies with a pizza!

Describe your experience of doing an apprenticeship with the Urdd in 3 words!

An experience! Fun! interesting!