Returning to education when he was 36 years old, wasn’t the route Simon Hall from Barrow on Soar planned to take, but having been promoted to branch manager at leading builders merchants, Jewsons Ltd in Loughborough, Simon started an Advanced Apprenticeship in management to ensure he was at the top of his game.
Simon already had an NVQ in customer service as well as several GCSEs under his belt but felt he wasn’t fully equipped with the skills to lead a more senior role. Simon said: “So far the Apprenticeship has really sharpened my management skills and I feel better trained within my current position. Initially I was concerned about doing an Apprenticeship at my age, but the course is improving my future prospects and my age means I adopt a more mature approach.”
Simon’s positive experience encouraged Jewsons to increase staff training and employ more apprentices; it now employs secen staff of which three are undertaking Apprenticeships.
Simon continues: “Being familiar with Apprenticeships as a learner and employer I can see the benefits from both sides. It’s important for businesses to encourage further training and development as it makes staff feel valued. Employees feel a sense of loyalty and this helps maintain retention rates.”
Simon has a one to one tutor who monitors his development throughout the Apprenticeship. Simon comments: “I’ve been offered a lot of support from my tutor, Ria, and she is always on hand if any issues or problems arise.”
Ria Sheridan, training consultant, In Training, said: “I’ve been involved with assessing several apprentices in Simon’s workplace and he has always been supportive of his staff when they have undertaken awards. I was therefore very pleased when Simon decided to embark on a Management Advanced Apprenticeship himself. He is a very motivated learner and as his assessor, I can see he is developing his skills through the Advanced Apprenticeship. His quick progress has been a direct result of his enthusiasm and hard work during the award.
“It is great that the Apprenticeships are available for mature learners as many people have not had the opportunity to achieve academic qualifications. The work-based NVQ awards help to combine the apprentices existing knowledge and experience with a formal training process.”
John Bampkin, area director, Jewsons Ltd, said: “Simon was determined to be at the top of his game and wanted to gain the qualifications to match his experience. He’s always been a good worker but the Apprenticeship has given him the confidence to go even further. He has matured and developed very well in the last 18 months in particular and is now proving to be a very capable manager delivering results.”