\u201c\u2026It\u2019s daunting. Especially at the start. But I can wholeheartedly say I would have not got the same skills doing it at home, purely assignment based. The apprenticeship gave me more than I ever imagined. Even the little things, the L&D profession has certain types of terminologies they use, meaning if I was to go into an L&D role interview now, I\u2019d be so much more confident in my ability as an L&D professional, and be able to provide examples to support that. The apprenticeship allowed me to create learning solutions for the organisation, as opposed to just \u201cgiving the training\u201d. I feel so much stronger in all elements of learning and development\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nThe end result is now what we see, and the vast knowledge Charlotte has gained with L&D. Although, that doesn\u2019t mean it was all smooth sailing. It\u2019s completely normal to have a roadblock or two throughout your learning journey, and for Charlotte, this was achieving her English and maths.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026The Functional Skills aspect was definitely the most challenging mental aspect of the apprenticeship. It was a recurring worry, and it definitely affected my thought process of whether or not I was going to achieve the apprenticeship, and I\u2019d be lying if I said I didn\u2019t have thoughts of quitting because of it. <\/strong><\/p>\nIt can be embarrassing to say \u201cI don\u2019t have my GCSEs\u201d or \u201cI can\u2019t find my certificates\u201d but the support network from Crosby is great. They are there to help you and reassure you that you can do this, it\u2019s not embarrassing.<\/strong><\/p>\nMy advice to anyone who has to do functional skills is don\u2019t put it off. The more you put it off the more it becomes a problem. Commit to your sessions with the Functional Skills team and attend them, put in the extra time so that you can complete your functional skills and fully commit to your apprenticeship. You have to be resilient and have a support network around you, whether that\u2019s your line manager or mentor, it\u2019s vital to have that additional person inside your organisation to help you through.<\/strong><\/p>\nIt’s about looking at the Functional Skills aspect, or any other struggles you may encounter, during your apprenticeship as an additional learning opportunity, as opposed to the struggle it may seem like at the time\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nTaking a deeper look into Charlotte\u2019s recommendations for apprentices, she had some excellent ideas that we, as a training provider, agree with when it comes to getting the most out of your apprenticeship.<\/p>\n
\nBE CURIOUS<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>the more curious you are, the more you\u2019ll delve into your research, and look at how other companies use models and frameworks. Whether that\u2019s within your cohorts or through other networking via LinkedIn.<\/li>\nBE REALISTIC \u2013 <\/strong>Set realistic goals when it comes to your studying. Place 30 minutes on your most productive days and stick to it, and make sure your colleagues know that too.<\/li>\nHAVE SUPPORT \u2013 <\/strong>You need to have an internal support system for your apprenticeship. It will help you in every aspect, and they\u2019ll get more of an understanding of your role and commitment to the organisation. Make sure they\u2019re at your reviews<\/u> this is one of the opportunities for the three of you can discuss your focus areas. Having your Line Manager or Mentor there means that you are more likely to stick to these focuses or they can allocate time for you to do so.<\/li>\nHAVE RESILIENCE \u2013<\/strong> Resilience and focus are key. This is your apprenticeship, nobody else\u2019s. You have to make it your priority if you want to succeed. Set your workshops and research time in your calendar. Set the expectation for yourself, and for others.<\/li>\nYOU CAN DO IT!<\/strong> \u2013 <\/strong>Crosby would not put you through to EPA or your Functional Skills exams if they didn\u2019t think you were capable. The support is there, so utilise it. You will complete, you will pass, and having the mindset of that is the first step.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nOn completion of her L&D apprenticeship Charlotte continues to develop within her role at National Windscreens, not being the support for other apprentices in the organisation. She says, \u201cI\u2019m now in the position where I can put together all of my learning from the past couple of years and continue to implement it into my daily role\u201d.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re confident Charlotte will continue making an impact on the Learning and Development of National Windscreen and wherever else her career may lead her.<\/p>\n
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Charlotte Wright\u2019s apprenticeship journey began as a training coordinator at National Windscreens, an automotive glazing provider, and repair and replacement specialist for the whole of the UK. Over the past few years, National Windscreens has undergone a few mergers and acquisitions, meaning Charlotte\u2019s role was continuously adapting. From starting as the only \u201ctraining-based\u201d colleague in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Overcoming Your Apprenticeship Roadblocks<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n