I’m Payton Anderson , I’m 16 years old and from Manchester. I went to Co-op Academy Failsworth in Oldham studying Business Studies, Geography, Spanish, GCSE PE and Maths, English and Science.

I’m also the new Central Team Apprentice for the Co-op Academies Trust. The first central team apprentice from a Co-op Academy.

Getting an apprenticeship had always been a no brainer for me as I love the idea of working and learning at the same time. The work experience and the qualification I will get at the end of my apprenticeship is invaluable. I just always knew that it was what I wanted to do. 

The second I stepped foot in the Co-op I knew it was where I wanted to be and I would not stop until I was there. I visited One Angel Square many times whilst at school for various events with the school council.

When I was told there was the opportunity of a week’s worth of work experience available I jumped on it. Every Co-op Academy gets the chance to send 20 students, and I knew one of them was going to be me. I did my work experience with the community team on the 8th floor and loved every minute of it. This made me even more sure that I wanted to be here in the future. 

As I got closer to the end of Year 11 I was still sure an apprenticeship was the path for me. There were apprenticeship opportunities all over, but none of them were right because they weren’t at the Co-op!  As soon as I left school in Year 11 I organised another 4 week work experience placement here at the Co-op. I was so happy when an apprenticeship became available in the Co-op Academies trust. I applied immediately.

I am extremely happy to now be doing my apprenticeship as the Central Team Administrator for the Co-op Academies Trust.

I remember my very first time meeting Frank Norris, the old CEO and he told a story about some students from a Co-op Academy coming in and asking for some funding. They showed their commitment by coming throughout the holidays and in their own time to represent their academy. I wanted to do the same to make sure I showed how much I wanted this by being here as much as possible. Just like the students showed how enthusiastic and committed they were.

The support I received from my school was incredible. Co-op Academy Failsworth is an amazing school. Each member of staff is always willing to support and guide you through the stressful times and make sure you are doing well. 

I was there as it transitioned from Failsworth High School to Co-op Academy Failsworth. It was a very big change, but the Academy really embraced it. The impact from the Co-op has benefited the whole school; staff, students and the community. 

The Co-op Ways of Being give everyone something to strive for and something to work towards. They carry them with them day to day  and I still do, even after leaving. The opportunities, like work experience, that the Co-op offers are amazing. 

I can’t thank Co-op Academy Failsworth enough for the best possible 5 years of, not only education but real-life, transferable skills. 

Working for my academy and the trust is exactly what I wanted. To be able to experience the difference the Co-op has on students first hand made me want to be part of the team that does this for other students and communities.To help and guide them and give them the opportunities my school was offered to progress.

I am now onto my third week at the Co-op Academies Trust and it is everything I hoped for and more. I am really enjoying being a member of staff and having a blue pass instead of switching and changing from green to red continuously!

My time up to now has been amazing and I am really settling in. I am very excited about the future as part of the team.

“We are very proud of Payton and all she achieved at Co-op Academy Failsworth and we are delighted she has secured such a fantastic opportunity. Payton was really taken by work experience with the Co-op and was really determined to secure an apprenticeship. We know Payton has a bright future ahead!” – Phill Quirk, Principal at Co-op Academy Failsworth

Fun fact about Payton– She has danced on stage with Justin Bieber on his Purpose tour at the Manchester Arena, for Anthony Joshua’s victory tour and at The Etihad and Old Trafford.