Head of Learning & Development Review

Overseeing training division for the business, including apprenticeships, trainees, internal training programmes and manufacturing partner training for all colleagues. This includes building a talent pipeline, by engaging with schools and colleges, supporting with recruitment of apprentices and working alongside colleagues to not only engage with training and development but then have success throughout their learning journey.

Yes I have developed my skills as a Professional Coach, which has enabled me to firstly provide a better service to colleagues, being more supportive and 'coachlike' in my daily practice, as well as mentoring Managers to be more coachlike with their colleagues including apprentices. I have learned to listen more and support colleagues to find solutions rather than providing advice & guidance.

I enjoyed the virtual workshops with my small learning cohort, where we were able to share expertise and experiences to enhance our own learning. I also enjoyed researching my topics through modern sources such as podcasts as an alternative to traditional methods only. I have enjoyed developing my practical skills though actual coaching.

Very well structured, initially this included virtual workshops with plenty of time in between to take away learning and use this to complete assignments. In addition we had 1:1 reviews with my Development Coach where she would review my work, give me advice and guidance and feedback on my coaching and how to improve my practice.

Endless support - my employer is incredibly encouraging and allows me to plan my own diary to incorporate my learning commitments. They helped me source coachees to develop my practice and this has continued since completing my course. My Line Manager is always championing my development and has supported me to select my next steps which will be a Level 7 Coaching Diploma.

My Development Coach is very supportive and responsive to my needs, she kept in contact throughout my programme, answering my queries and requests for help in a very prompt manner. She helped build up my confidence when I lacked it in myself and helped me to work towards my EPA in the best position possible.

Without my qualification I wouldn't have the confidence in myself and I wouldn't expect my coachees to have confidence in me either if I didn't have adequate credentials. The theory knowledge and practical skills I have build throughout my qualification have enabled me to support my coachees.

We have engagement activities that take place at key dates throughout the year, this includes charity fundraisers, themed fancy dress days, cake days, and larger organised events, last year a huge number of colleagues climbed one of the 3 peaks (all on the same day). We also have Christmas parties, BBQ's and celebration evenings. We have competitions every month for all colleagues to join in with great high value prizes, and a Christmas Advent Calendar with fun, games, prizes.

Yes

For a global company, with over 1350 colleagues, the level of support is better than any company I have worked for before, whether this through encouraging personal and professional development, to taking care of our wellbeing. Quite often it is the little things that count the most, including a birthday card & gift to every colleague every year, fun competitions etc.

Go for it! If you see a vacancy - apply! But make sure your CV shows why you are the best person for the job! If you join, you have the opportunity of a fantastic career for life with the opportunity to develop in your role, get great training and work with some amazing people.