Leanne Smith, an apprentice at Newton Aycliffe based charity DISC, has recently secured a job at a local GP surgery. And the popular member of staff believes she couldn’t have got her new job without attending DISC. Leanne, who completed a year-long apprenticeship administrator’s post at Christmas says the support she received and professional experience she gained at DISC was instrumental in getting her job at the practice. She said: “I was ecstatic. They said I’d really impressed them in the interview with how I came across and the different things I’d done at DISC. “I wouldn’t even have had the confidence to answer their questions before I came to DISC – definitely not!” The 21 year old took minutes at meetings, was in charge of mobile phone allocation at the organisation, covered reception, administered a charitable fund for service users and supplied general administration support.
She also helped arrange some recent company-wide Mission, Vision and Values roadshow evens. Leanne was line managed by DISC Administrator Linda Spencer. And she added: “Linda supported me in everything, professionally and personally. She helped boost my confidence. It meant a lot to see someone like Linda show me such respect, but everyone at DISC was so kind and friendly.” Linda said: “Leanne was always willing to take on any tasks. It was a privilege to watch her grow in confidence and ability through her year with us. “She will be an asset wherever she works and will be greatly missed by everyone she worked with especially myself and (administrator/receptionist) Doreen.
