Apprenticeship helps me do job better

The rewards are absolutely worth putting in the effort and commitment

Michelle Wood, writing on the last day of National Apprenticeship Week, says:

Hi, I have worked in the NHS for over 20 years and in the last three in the Learning and Organisational Development Team as Apprentice Officer. This started out as a secondment and within a year became a permanent post.

I have always been an advocate for personal development and this role has enabled me to help others achieve their personal goals, whatever their role, profession, gender, age etc.

Because I was new to L & D I wanted to achieve a work-related qualification to enhance my subject knowledge, skills and expertise – and what better way to do this than undertaking an apprenticeship programme?

However I was slightly worried about undertaking a two-year programme due to my age (50-plus), while holding down a fulltime job which in itself is quite challenging. So my line manager identified a suitable programme for me – Level 5 L & OD Professional Consultant programme. This aligned to my role and includes the core knowledge and skills designed to help me carry out my role more effectively.

I decided to do my learning through an apprenticeship route rather than attending college or university so that I could experience at firsthand what apprenticeship programmes are about.

I’m not saying they are easy. They require time, hard work, and commitment from the learner and support from the line manager. I’m now nine months into my programme which enables me to share my experience with others, especially as my roles is to promote the  same opportunities to staff within the organisation.

My achievement to date is being able to manage the learning, commitment and challenges it brings because I know that once I achieve this qualification I will be able to put what I have learned into practice and do my job better.

I have been working from home since March 2020 which I believe has been challenging for everyone, especially adapting to new ways of working. However, this has not stopped me studying.

If I could give any advice, it is ‘Go for it.’ However, be prepared to put the time, work, and effort into it and utilise the support from your tutor and mentor. The rewards are absolutely worth it.