This week, we are celebrating the achievements of our apprentices as we mark National Apprenticeship Week. Joanne Hall, Maintenance Manager at RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria, has recently completed her two-year, Level Three Facilities Management apprenticeship and tells us how studying for an apprenticeship has helped her develop new skills for life.
“I decided to study for an apprenticeship because I wanted to gain a better understanding of people management and budget requirements and dealing with any challenges that may arise.
“The course has certainly built a newfound confidence to let my voice be heard and to try to continually improve both my role and that of my team, gaining valuable managerial insight into facilities management. I’m really proud to have challenged myself in this way, achieving ambitions I thought were unrealistic and learning lots of valuable skills.
“It’s fair to say that it has been tough at times. Studying for the exams while having a full-time job and family commitments took determination, but I had a huge amount of support from our Regional Operations Manager and particularly from the Area Delivery Manager and DIO representative here at RAF Spadeadam.
“Landmarc enabled me to work from home once a week, where I would complete my coursework, while still fulfilling essential elements of my job as required. I would study at weekends when needed and used my colleagues for information and advice when necessary.
“What would I say to anyone considering studying for an apprenticeship? Quite simply – go for it! I was nervous that it may be too much on top of a full-time job and that I wouldn’t be able to manage the commitment, but it is a fantastic personal achievement and a huge motivator for both you and the business.
“This experience has been a stepping stone to becoming a maintenance manager. I am still learning every day, but now I have many new skills and am able to take a positive and pragmatic approach as challenges arise.”
Watch Joanne Hall in this short video sharing an insight into studying a Level Three Facilities Management apprenticeship.