Building skills and confidence with an apprenticeship

Your name: Kira

The apprenticeship you are doing:

Learning and Skills Teacher, Level 5

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

It was part of my career development within Organisational Development moving into a trainer role. The apprenticeship was recommended to me via my manager and the Apprenticeship Lead for the Trust, Anita Mason.

How has the apprenticeship benefited your career?

I have just completed my apprenticeship and achieved a distinction overall. I can see how much I have learned over the course of my apprenticeship, and I have been able to apply all my knowledge, skills and behaviours into my daily practices at work.

I now have the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge further by going on to an ILM Coaching and Mentoring Course. The learning and skills teacher apprenticeship has definitely helped me improve as a trainer and in my department at work.

Have you faced any challenges?

I would say there have been a couple of challenges along the way. The biggest challenge I faced was my nerves during my end-point assessment. I had to complete a professional discussion and an observation of me teaching by an external assessor, followed by a professional dialogue.

I overcame my nerves by making sure I was organised and prepared for the session. I did encounter some technical difficulties while training and being observed, although I acted quickly. Even though I didn't manage to resolve the issue, I worked around it and adapted my training/teaching content. This flexibility helped me stay calm during my end-point assessment.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

It is always a journey when taking on new learning or training.

I think from my perspective I would encourage anyone interested in personal and career development to make use of the apprenticeship programmes available at the Trust. It is a great way to be able to work, earn and learn all at the same time.

You gain skills and knowledge and also can receive promotions at work including moving up banding levels as well as personal growth and self-awareness.

I have definitely gained more confidence in my practice and in myself by doing this apprenticeship. Which is a goal I had set myself from the very beginning of this apprenticeship.