Learning and Development Facilitation Team Lead Review

I manage a team of 4 people at the Learning and development department of Dixons Carphone. We create and facilitate face to face and virtual learning for retail colleagues, management and corporate learners in the UK & Ireland. I also help to oversee our training academy venue in Fort Dunlop in Birmingham

I developed the skill of self reflection and recording this on a regular basis in a journal. I also now can recognize the importance of continuous professional development. I had not heard of the CIPD before or been aware of professional qualifications for Learning and Development. It has given me confidence in my role and I now have the theoretical knowledge that underpins learning, that I did not have before.

I find it hard to juggle work and off the job learning requirements for the apprenticeship. It could have been explained better at the start and the platform used by Watson Martin, OneFile was not the most user friendly. It would have been good if the journal plotted across the standards, so that when you get the the end of apprenticeship it is easier to extract. I loved that it aligned directly with my role and the new knowledge, skills and behaviors were directly transferable.

I have had my advisor changed multiple times by Watson Martin during the course of the apprenticeship due to people leaving , so this did detract from the 121 support in my opinion. The VLE website and CIPD website had good supporting material for the units. It was good to be doing it the same time as my colleagues so we had a good support network. I liked that each unit and activity linked to the next one.

My manager was also doing the apprenticeship so understood and was a great support. We shared best practice and went to webinars together. When I got a promotion my new manager continued to value the apprenticeship and support me, making sure I have time and resources needed. The was always management available and supportive with witness statements etc. It is fantastic that my company has seen the value in this and given me the opportunity.

My Watson Martin tutor has change multiple times during my apprenticeship and the one I have now has too many learners assigned so it is difficult to get the time and support. Some of the advisors dont seem to have alot of knowledge of the CIPD qualifications as they explained this apprenticeship is new to them. They are more knowledgeable about HR apprenticeship than Learning and Development. I loved the VLE resource and that webinars were perfectly planned content wise to support the units, and always at a time to compliment job role.

It helps me to be better at my role as I am more disciplined with time and prioritize more. I am more confident and credible as I understand the underpinning theory of Learning and Development now. I have been able to put into practice and recognize different parts of the learning cycle.

Every fortnight we have a lunch and learn 45 minutes with different topics, some related to work like Diversity and inclusion, and some a good way to network like cooking classes. We have regular Microsoft teams events like escape rooms and quizzes. At head office there is a gym and we have regular social events when Covid 19 has gone this will reconvene.

Yes

I have worked for Dixons Carphone for 15 years and have always been supported and looked after. they have given me opportunities to grow and promoted my continuous learning. I started in retail as a sales colleagues, went onto management and now work in Learning and Development so there is lots of opportunity to grow.

Prepare for your interview and have a look at your role, the history of the company and, what it stands for and why you would like to work there. Depending on your role there will be a 1-5 day induction. It will either be face to face at a residential course in Birmingham or virtually through Microsoft Teams.