Money 19.08.10 Clare HawkinsTeenager Clare Hawkins can’t believe she’s managed to land her dream job,Puma Blaze of Glory.Art and design were her two passions at school and when she heard about an apprenticeship opportunity with popular pottery designer Emma Bridgewater, she got her CV in quick.“I was terrified when I was called for an interview and thought I’d have no chance.“I made sure I was dressed nicely and was ready to answer all the questions they had ready for me.”Growing up near to the Lichfield Street factory in Stoke-on-Trent – home to Britain’s pottery industry for more than 300 years – Clare was familiar with the quirky -hand-made Emma Bridgewater pieces known to many by their trademark spotty design.“I never imagined that I would end up creating those spots,” laughs Clare, 17.A week later she was told she’d got the apprenticeship – she and a young man who also applied were being given the chance to learn the traditional skills used by generations of skilled craftsmen.The company launched the apprenticeship scheme to mark its 25th anniversary and plans to recruit two new apprentices each year.“I was so nervous when I started but immediately realised that I was working with a group of people – 150 very experienced people – happy to share their skills.”To start off with Clare worked in the selection -department where she had to identify and weed out imperfect decorating.“You need a good eye for that and I was relieved to find I was OK. You need to spot even the most minor defects in pieces.”But she’s moved on now and is learning sponge-decorating techniques – an almost lost art rejuvenated by company founder Emma and her husband Matthew Rice.“I love it,” says Clare. “I have small sponges cut in the shape of the design which I dip into paint and then decorate the earthenware pottery. While I’m following a set design, every piece is different.“Time just passes so quickly – I find it a wonderful job to do,Abercrombie & Fitch online.“You have to focus your mind but it is also relaxing.”With the spots, for instance, Clare knows how many blue, red or green spots need to go on each plate, but where they go is up to her – to a degree. “I love the sense that I’m making something beautiful. I also admire the history behind it – doing something which people have done for hundreds of years.”It’s hard work though.“My day starts early at 7am,” she says. “But I create anywhere from 80 to 100 pieces a day which gives me a real sense of achievement.” Once a month an assessor from training provider Axia (www.axia-solutions.co.uk) comes in to see how Clare is doing in order to gain her NVQ in ceramics manufacturing.This will take another 20 months during which time she will work her way around the factory in departments from the kiln to the slip house (where the liquid clay used to make the pottery pieces is created).Clare is also getting key skills training in maths, English and IT. “I realise how lucky I am to have this opportunity and all I can say to other young people looking for job opportunities is to search for training in something that -interests you,Men's UGG Ultra Short.”● If you are interested in becoming a potter you can find out more at www.studiopottery.co.ukThere you will find the names of courses and contacts who can help.● Find out more about Emma Bridgewater pottery at www,www.pumasneakersonsale.com.emmabridgewater.co.uk.WHERE TO FIND AN APPRENTICESHIPVisit www.apprenticeships.org.uk (or call 0800 0150 600) where you can search hundreds of vacancies among 190 varieties of apprenticeship – there’s also www.direct.gov,Womens Puma Shoes Sport.uk/apprenticeships. The right one for you will depend on your interests, experience and the opportunities where you live.Top tipsResearch as many job ideas as possible Keep an open mind,asics onitsuka tiger. You don’t know whether you will really enjoy a job until you’ve given it a go.Do your homework find out what skills you need for roles and if there’s any on-the-job training.Contact relevant professional or trade organisations CHECK out their websites. Improve your job searching skillsKEEP your CV up-to-date, plan what to wear for an interview, how to get there in plenty of time, and have some questions ready. Related articles:

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