Overcoming Your Apprenticeship Roadblocks

Charlie Kokorus-Todd, (FLPI) 's 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’s role was continuously adapting. From starting as the only “training-based” colleague in the organisation to now, an L&D Manager, responsible for the L&D Department and all technical and operational colleagues learning from finance to distribution.

So, what made Charlotte do an apprenticeship in L&D?

“…as the department started to develop I found myself researching lots of courses in L&D, and ultimately the Level 5 L&D Consultant Partner apprenticeship. There was the opportunity to do a CIPD stand-alone qualification. However, I didn’t feel it would give me the exposure of learning and bringing that back to my workplace the same as an apprenticeship would…”

We know many people are interested in apprenticeships but find the hardest part taking the plunge on a 12+ month commitment to learning. It’s important to learn why taking that big step will have an impact on your career.

“…It’s 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’d 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 “giving the training”. I feel so much stronger in all elements of learning and development…”

The end result is now what we see, and the vast knowledge Charlotte has gained with L&D. Although, that doesn’t mean it was all smooth sailing. It’s completely normal to have a roadblock or two throughout your learning journey, and for Charlotte, this was achieving her English and maths.

“…The 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’d be lying if I said I didn’t have thoughts of quitting because of it.

It can be embarrassing to say “I don’t have my GCSEs” or “I can’t find my certificates” but the support network from Crosby is great. They are there to help you and reassure you that you can do this, it’s not embarrassing.

My advice to anyone who has to do functional skills is don’t 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’s your line manager or mentor, it’s vital to have that additional person inside your organisation to help you through.

It'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…"

Taking a deeper look into Charlotte’s 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.

1.??????BE CURIOUS – the more curious you are, the more you’ll delve into your research, and look at how other companies use models and frameworks. Whether that’s within your cohorts or through other networking via LinkedIn.

2.??????BE REALISTIC – 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.

3.??????HAVE SUPPORT – You need to have an internal support system for your apprenticeship. It will help you in every aspect, and they’ll get more of an understanding of your role and commitment to the organisation. Make sure they’re at your reviews this is one of the opportunities where 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.

4.??????HAVE RESILIENCE – Resilience and focus are key. This is your apprenticeship, nobody else’s. 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.

5.??????YOU CAN DO IT! – Crosby would not put you through to EPA or your Functional Skills exams if they didn’t think that 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.

On completion of her L&D apprenticeship, Charlotte continues to develop within her role at National Windscreens, now being the support for other apprentices in the organisation. She says, “I’m 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”.

We’re confident Charlotte will continue making an impact on the Learning and Development of National Windscreen and wherever else her career may lead her.

#NAW2023 #SkillsForLife #OneGoalYourSuccess