Learning at Work Week
This week is Learning at Work Week: “a unique annual event to build learning cultures at work. It aims to put a spotlight on the importance and benefits of continual learning and development.”
Sam Pye, HR Projects Administrator in the Staff Experience Team, shares here experience of completing the Functional Skills courses:
“I wanted to apply for a level 5 HR apprentice to help me progress my career and as I was home schooled, I didn’t have any proof of qualifications, so needed to complete Functional Skills Maths and English. I completed my Functional Skills training with Norwich City Council. I had a great tutor, he was supportive and helpful, and always happy to go back over something if I was unsure and giving encouraging feedback on work that was submitted.
“I found the experience of gaining my Functional Skills qualifications intense at times, as I was completing both Maths and English at the same time, while working and dealing with family life. However, I felt a sense of achievement when my Tutor told me I had passed with 100% on one of my exams, I was so pleased that all the time I had spent studying and sitting exams was all worth it. Completing the courses gave me more confidence that I was able to take on the workload of my apprenticeship and still have time to do fun things.”
Serena Dashwood, Therapy Assistant Practitioner in the Home First Hub, also shared her experience of completing the Maths Functional Skills course:
“I had been working for Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust for the last couple of years and really enjoying my role. I had seen in Weekly Messages that there were opportunities to progress, but I soon realised I needed to have a higher grade in Maths to be able to apply for the Foundation Degree Apprenticeship in Health Studies (Level 5). NCH&C’s Career Development Team helped me enrol on a six-week Maths Functional Skills Course. The classes were a half-day, once per week.
“It was difficult at times as being in a classroom environment and with Maths never being a strong point, I had some anxiety but the tutor, Nicola, was very friendly and approachable. She was able to explain different methods to help me to understand how to learn the areas of Maths that I found more difficult. At times I thought I would fail and felt that I would not get through the exam. I did have to revise almost every day and was adamant in giving it my best shot. I was booked in for the exam and although nervous, I felt I had prepared well and wanted to pass.
“After completing my Level 2 Functional Skills Maths qualification, I applied for and was successful in obtaining a place on the Health Studies Apprenticeship and began the two-year foundation degree in January 2020, alongside my current role as a Community Assistant Practitioner.”
Continual learning at NCH&C opens doors to growth and change, making our jobs more rewarding.