The Annual Conference for Teachers and Advisers 2018

Penny joined First Response Finance in 2010, working part-time as an Administrator for their busy Operations Team, alongside studying at a local sixth form college. She gained three A levels, and a place to study Informatics and Business at The University of Sheffield after applying through UCAS. During the summer of her final year at sixth form, First Response offered Penny the opportunity to study for her degree, sponsored by the company, while working full-time and pursuing a career in finance. Having considered all options, Penny chose to begin building her career at First Response.

Penny has now worked for First Response Finance for seven years, and has completed her financial qualifications and training, spending the first three years of her career working in the Operations Team. Penny has since lead the design, delivery, and support for the Apprenticeship and Early Careers Programmes for the last four years at First Response, and has recently led recruitment for the company.

Alongside working at First Response, Penny currently sits on the D2N2 skills and employment advisory boards in the local areas of Nottingham and Derby, advising the educational sector, as well as local employers on higher and degree apprenticeships, working to nurture local talent across the community. Penny also works closely with local colleges to improve business curriculum, and helps prepare young people for the options and choices they face at the end of college, ensuring students understand the benefits of studying for a degree apprenticeship.