Performance Manager Review

I line manage and lead a team of Training and Development Officers who deliver apprenticeships in HR and Learning and Development. I am responsible for my team's performance, including their KPI targets. I ensure that each team member understands and is supported in their role, so that they can deliver quality apprenticeships for both learners and their employers.

Yes, I have learnt a whole new skills set of skills to equip me in my management role. These skills stem from understanding a range of management theories, covering for example time management, building relationships, problem solving and decision making and operational management, and then knowing how to put them into practice.

I really enjoyed my programme as it was so relevant to my job role; with each module I was adding a new skill to my management 'toolbox'. I also enjoyed being able to network with other managers on the course, to share ideas and work through challenges together. Finally I enjoyed the mix of learning materials, including taught sessions, online learning,121 sessions and independent study.

The programme was very well structured as it started looking at me - my own time management, and then in self awareness my own strengths and weaknesses. It then moved on to communication and only then moved onto the more management focus modules (building relationships, managing people and leading people). The course finished with more organisation based modules - operational management and finance.

I was fully supported by my employer - firstly by being given the support and encouragement to start the apprenticeship and secondly by being supported with my off the job training time. My manager was interested in my progress from the start and my progress on the course would be part of my monthly 121s. My manager further supported me by joining my 3 month reviews with my Training & Development Officer.

I received fantastic support from my training provider, and in particular from my Training and Development Officer. She was always available outside of any formal, timetabled learning to provide me with any additional support or to answer any queries I had and she was always prompt with giving positive and constructive feedback.

My qualification has given me both the skills (through the new toolbox of management theories and how to apply them which I have learnt) along with an increased confidence in being able to perform better in my role. I am so grateful that I have been able to complete this apprenticeship.

Yes, we have extra-curricular activities. For example, I regularly attend an online yoga class and we are currently working towards a company walking activity for charity. We also have professional networking via management training, which is great to connect with other managers within the business. For an organisation where everyone works remotely, this is great.

Yes

I would recommend Realise Training for an apprenticeship due to the professional, knowledgeable and highly personable Training and Development Officers who deliver the apprenticeships and who are not only specialists in their field but also passionate educators and trainers, who want to see you succeed, and when you do they will enjoy your success with you.

I would advise others to go ahead and apply! Don't be put off by a lengthy signup process - this can take a while and you may need to go through various systems as part of the sign up, but it will be worth it. Also, to not be under pressure to understand how to use the online portfolio from the start - this takes time, but the Training and Development Officer will support.