Business Trainer Review

On a day to day basis I deliver training to groups of up to 20 people or 1-2-1. This can vary from new starter induction, return to works or enhancing performance. I also complete follow up coaching. Interact with key stakeholders. Can be working in a team or individually on project work. Follow the training cycle through including designing courses and material. I then try to have 1 day every 2 weeks to complete the apprenticeship coursework and have time with a tutor to complete the apprenticeship matrix. A lot of the actions I can evidence from my normal job role.

The apprenticeship has confirmed a lot of knowledge I already have. It has also given me the time and opportunity to explore more learning theories and models to implement into my role. I also learnt more about the industry, what other roles there are and how other organisations are delivering training. We have limited internal training by seniors however we get external tutors that come in.

I really enjoy the programme, it fits in well with my work so a lot is completed during working hours and I am able to evidence a lot of my learnings in my everyday role. The company supports my apprenticeship although I feel they could do more to contribute towards my CPD plan. The team are very supportive and always willing to help.

There was some teething problems with the programme, it was very confusing and hard to understand what was expected from us. This has improved now as things have been changed around but people are still under the impression that each person is doing something slightly different. For example, filling in different forms. The induction was long and boring covering information you do throughout the course anyway. This then stole some time from our actual learning that we could put into the modules. As all the tutors live across the country it is rare to see any of them, the majority of learning is what you do yourself. The distribution of modules is frustrating as they talk through a slideshow and then give you the module brief and is difficult to then sieve through what is important.

I receive some support from my employer. I find it is there if I ask for it. We are scheduled with time to complete coursework. My line manager is available for me if I have any questions or need any support. We have started to have catch up calls planned in with others on apprenticeships across the business should we like to attend.

We have 1 or 2 class room days where a slide show is ran through then we have had little support from the apprenticeship wrap around provider. They have recently bought a different tutor in who seems to be able to set us on the right path again. Although more guidance would be grateful around the paperwork that need to be filled in.

I feel like the knowledge I have gained through the qualification has benefited my performance in my role. It is relevant to what I do on a day to day basis and is something that can influence how I perform. I believe a lot of this is learnt by completing the assignments rather then what is taught but all still helps me put the theories in to practice in my role.

There are social events such as quiz nights on the different sites. They have opportunities to volunteer with the local community like bingo in residential homes or cleaning beaches. I feel they lack in professional networking events and opportunities to visit other places outside of the workplace to increase knowledge in my role.

Yes

I would recommend Saga as it is a great place to work with great people. A really good place to kick start a career in a comfortable environment. As it is a good size organisation in a small seaside area you can meet some really nice people that can become your really good friend in and out of work.

The application process can take a long time. If you are going for a call centre role it is normally built up of a telephone interview, online assessment, assessment day where you can sit with an agent to see what life is like in the contact centre. Be prepared with how you can transfer your existing customer service and sales skills into the role. The induction process can take a few months as you will learn everything you need to know and then there is continuous training. You then have an opportunity to apply and potentially move around to different departments in the business every 6 months.