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The University of Sunderland: Developing outstanding and effective trainers

Effective training is a key to improving knowledge and skills, inspiring and motivating individuals and protecting an organisation’s reputation.

In 2020 the University of Sunderland launched the Learning and Skills Teacher apprenticeship to support training delivery in the workplace. It was developed with employers and designed to equip those involved in post 16 adult training with the skills, knowledge and behaviours to become outstanding and effective trainers. This apprenticeship rewards successful apprentices with a level 5 Certificate in Education and Training.

The Beacon of Light is one organisation who chose to partner with the University. Kim Newby is one of their Learning and Skills Teacher apprentice employees.

“I never had any teaching background, I was very much learning on the job,” explained Kim, 33, from Sunderland. “However, after seeing so much good practice within the Beacon I knew I wanted to develop my role further and go down the academic route of teaching. I wanted to make sure I was up to standard for the students’ benefit.”

More than half way into the Learning and Skills apprenticeship and Kim is hitting milestones she never thought possible - writing policies for the Beacon of Light School, involved in CPD for staff and trustees, developing a three-year curriculum plan, alongside submitting Stage 1&2 for the Quality in Careers Standard Award.

Kim says juggling work and family life, with a daughter at home has been hard work and has challenged her but adds: “You have just got to invest your time in it, but you reap so many rewards from this. Every one of the sessions is relevant to what you’re doing. What l learn on the day I can put into practice the next day.

“I was never very confident in myself, especially standing at the front of a classroom, but my confidence has grown, due to the fact that my knowledge has developed, and I have such a better understanding of how to teach, and being able to articulate that knowledge to a range of learners is inspiring.”

She added: “Being able to earn an income while I study towards a Higher Apprenticeship has made such a difference, and something financially I never thought possible.”

Steph Forster, Teaching and Learning and ITT Lead, at the Beacon, said: “Whilst on the higher apprenticeship I have seen Kim’s confidence in teaching grow, the course is equipping her with the skills and knowledge needed to continue a successful teaching career.

“Kim is proactive and brings new ideas to the school, building on the topics covered in her university sessions.”

Andrea Brown, Senior Lecturer (PCET) at the University of Sunderland, said: “The Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship offers another route to get into teaching for work-based learners, giving them access to Higher Education that may not have been an option previously.

“This apprenticeship really has made such a difference to so many of our apprentices, whether that is taking on new responsibilities at work or becoming more effective in their teaching roles. Importantly, we encourage our apprentices to share any new skills, knowledge and behaviours with their colleagues back in the workplace, so that everyone can share in the success of the apprenticeship.

“I continue to be impressed by the level of enthusiasm and commitment of all our apprentice Learning and Skills Teachers and I know from regularly speaking to workplace mentors that this is echoed by employers, who are seeing a positive return on their investment in the apprentice – it is a win-win for all!”

If you work in training delivery or think your business would benefit from this apprenticeship why not sign up to one of our online information events. Our next start date is 18 March!

To find out more about the Learning and Skills Apprenticeship at the University of Sunderland click here

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by University of Sunderland .