Sinead Hogan is from Cardiff and works at Ty Gwyn Special School, who are part of the Western Learning Federation, who are passionate about teaching and improving the life experiences of young people with additional needs between the ages of 3 and 19. Sinead is a Level 3 Teaching and Learning Sport apprentice, and was nominated for her passion towards her apprenticeship work, as well as for her tireless care and work within the school. Let's learn a little more about Sinead. 
 
Why did you decide to take an apprenticeship with the Urdd?  

I am passionate about developing sport provision for the pupils in my school, so I jumped at the chance when this course was offered. 
 
What do you enjoy most about your job and how does the apprenticeship effect your job? 

I have the privilege each and every day to work with the most courageous, happy and determined learners. Quite simply, this makes my job the best in the world! My passion is to aid the learners I work with to be as independent, ambitious and healthy as they can be, as well as developing their voice in whatever form that takes. Starting this apprenticeship has not only underpinned my practice, but has also enabled me to create more effective sport environments for the learners I work with. In addition, this offers them so many opportunities to make independent choices and to give me feedback on how to make sport sessions more engaging and appropriate for them. 

How has doing the apprenticeship developed your Welsh skills? 

I am beginning to become more confident using the Welsh language, and have found myself using it on a daily basis. 
 
What are your interests outside the workplace?  

My passion is for running, going to my local gym and boxing. It has immersed me in a community that celebrates successes and supports each other when needed.  
 
In which way does completing an apprenticeship effect your personal development?  

It has underpinned the knowledge that I already have and has helped me to become more confident in offering sport provision within my role. It has also given me the opportunity to highlight to those I work with the importance of sport for our learners and has given me the chance to pass my new knowledge onto them, to aid with their own development  
 
What do you hope to do after completing your apprenticeship?  

I am beginning to become more confident using the Welsh language, and have found myself using it on a daily basis.

Describe your responsibilities. 

I am a Senior Teaching Assistant that works with learners who have additional needs. I assist the teacher in the running of the class and the daily routines of each pupil, along with enabling learners to achieve their targets. I also run out of class provision, such as touch and rebound therapy.

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

- Empowering. 
- Rewarding. 
- Inspirational. 
 
Would you like to add anything about your story? How have you reached where you are now? What was/is your biggest challenge?  

I found my passion for sport seven years ago and have never looked back. Adapting activities for the learners I work with, whilst being my biggest challenge, has also proven to be my biggest reward.