You’re never too old to learn...

GWEN Lindo with (from the left) Bailey Fernandez, Koben Bradshaw, (both aged 3) and one-year-old Cairon Ball

‘Doing the course makes me so proud’, say 75-year-old Gwen

IT’S never too late to learn according to grandmother-of-six Gwen Lindo, who is believed to be one of Oldham’s oldest “apprentices”.

The 75-year-old is a nursery assistant at Alphabet Bungalow, Henshaw Street, Oldham, and is currently studying an NVQ Level 2 for the Children and Young People’s Workforce qualification.

The sprightly pensioner and former machinist from Derker applied for her part-time job in 2005 after finding out about the job while taking her twin grandchildren to the private nursery.

Known affectionately as Nanna Gwen, she said: “I have always loved children and was delighted to get the chance to work at the nursery.

“It is lovely to be able to reassure parents that their children are happy and, having had children of my own and six grandchildren, they trust me.”

It was Mrs Lindo’s former boss Louise Fletcher who persuaded her to transform her practical childcare experience into a qualification.

After selling Alphabet Bungalow, Mrs Fletcher started work in 2007 as an assessor for Intraining, a leading provider of work-based learning and training.

She contacted Mrs Lindo and suggested that both she and her colleagues gain recognised work-based qualifications.

Mrs Lindo is now on course to complete her NVQ in September and nursery staff are already planning a party to celebrate.

Mrs Lindo said: “I wanted to do the course but wanted Louise to be my assessor because she had been my manager before and I felt comfortable because she knew me and what I could do.

“For me, the chance to get a qualification from doing something I love is wonderful.

“Doing this course makes me feel proud because it makes me feel like I belong in the modern world, even though I know I should have retired.

“I love my job.”

Mrs Fletcher said: “I wanted Gwen to gain recognition and a formal qualification for her role as she has so much experience and knowledge but didn’t have any qualifications.

“She is doing wonderfully well and a lot of the younger team members often turn to Gwen for support and advice.”




The Oldham Evening Chronicle is championing the 100 in 100 Apprenticeships campaign, which is encouraging businesses across Oldham to pledge to take on one or more apprentices.



The aim is to create 100 brand new apprenticeships in 100 days.