MY Blogs
Latest blogs from colleagues and patients across the Trust.
Rachael - Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to progress
Rachael works as a Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Trainer in Organisational Development, below she shares why she is a big advocate of apprenticeships.
Overview of your current job
My current role as TEL Trainer is a blended role between developing and designing eLearning packages for our Trust and delivering face to face and online training for courses such as Compassionate Conversations and SAGE & THYME.
Please tell us about how you got here?
I started in May 2013 as an Admin Apprentice within the Organisational Development team, and completed a Level 2 in Business and Administration, before progressing to the Level 3 and Senior Administration Officer. I also completed a course called eLearning design through TAP to enhance my skills as I have always been interested in creating training.
During Covid a new temporary position in the team was created to fulfil the Trust need for extra eLearning and I was then appointed as the TEL support officer. Within this role I attended PTLLS Level 3 course in Education and Training to enhance my skills in creating training.
I then explored the opportunity to undertake a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Education and Training with JC Consultancy so I could train in a face to face capacity and lead in the development and delivery of eLearning.
How has your role developed since you started your career?
Through completing the Level 5 Apprenticeship in Education and Training, my role has developed from solely eLearning and supporting the development and design of the creation of content to leading in this and also delivering face to face and online training courses.
What are the best bits about your role?
I enjoy meeting different people and the different ways I get to do that whether it be in meetings, at training or coming into the office. I like hearing their ideas for training and working with them to bring their ideas to life.
What would be your next steps for career progression?
I am always interested in learning new things and progressing myself so that I can develop my skills. I am currently completing the ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) award in effective coaching and mentoring within the Trust and look forward to how I can utilise this in my role and department. I also have a passion for Neurodiversity and sharing an understanding for how this effects our workforce, so I hope to develop my skills in this area going forward.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to do a similar role?
Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to progress within the organisation. You can be getting paid while completing different qualifications and increasing your knowledge. Take any training opportunities which come your way and believe in yourself.
My apprenticeship and qualification have given me more confidence and a passion for delivering training which is accessible for all. I never thought I would be able to get a Level 5 diploma but the Trust has made this possible and enabled my career progression.
Benefits for the organisation
Allison Foster, Head of Organisational Development thinks apprenticeships are a great way to enable colleagues to learn the tools of the trade, and said:
“Rachael is an absolute asset to the Technology Enhanced Learning Trainer role, the team she works in and the wider Trust. We value her passion for training and development, so were thrilled to support her to undertake the Learning and Skills Teaching Level 5 Apprenticeship with JC Training and Consultancy.
“She has consistently applied the knowledge and skills she has acquired in her apprenticeships to the role on an ongoing basis. She creatively designs and develops a range of elearning modules, animations and engaging workshops, giving our staff access to training inclusive of diverse learning and differing modes and methods of delivery.
“Rachael’s ambition and enthusiasm, along with great tutoring from JC Training and Consultancy, and supportive management saw her complete the apprenticeship 6-months earlier than expected.”