A BASINGSTOKE mum is showing that apprenticeships are not just for school leavers, after she signed up to one to enhance her CV and skills.

Kelly Cox, pictured, left education aged 17 to work in a bank, before taking a temping role at Bidfood, in Basingstoke.

The foodservice wholesaler company, based in Houndmills, then offered Kelly a permanent role and she has been working there since.

The mother-of-one, from Chineham Park, then heard about an opportunity to do a level 2 apprenticeship through Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), in sales, and said: “I always thought apprenticeships are for young people but they said you can do it at any age.

“It keeps my brain active so I am continuing learning and it’s good to have on my CV and it’s interesting as well. It’s good if you haven’t been to university or college as it bumps your career up.”

Kelly, 31, finished her apprenticeship in sales in March last year which enabled her to progress to team leader, before she started an online learning course in mental health.

She said: “It’s a bit random but it’s something I’m interested in and my company is supportive of staff doing extra curricula learning. Bidfood are pretty supportive.

“I really enjoy working there. I like the people and the customers.”

Kelly’s apprenticeship is based online, allowing her to complete the studies at home whilst juggling her responsibilities as a mum, looking after her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

But she said BCoT staff are always on hand to help out if needed, adding: “You can always chat to them if you are stuck.”

She added: “It can be difficult to juggle being a mum but I work when she’s in bed so will do an hour three to four times a week. I’m really pleased I decided to do it.”