Navigating Learning and Development: Hannah's experience as an Apprentice at Optalis

Hannah is over a year into her Learning and Development Practitioner apprenticeship. Prior to taking up a role in the Learning and Development Team, Hannah worked in an Optalis day service. Hannah said “I was ready for a new challenge, and I’d always liked the idea of training other people. I worked in the day service as a senior support worker and enjoyed the aspect of helping other staff to develop. I would show my team members how to sign in Makaton, and it gave me a feel for training.”

Hannah honestly reflected on the uncertainties she faced at first “The last time I was in a formal learning environment was at school, and I didn’t get on so well with it. Now I’m older, I have a better insight into my abilities and my learning style. It helps that I also have a really supportive team around me, and I have been assigned a tutor that understands me and my quirky ways.”

“I’ve really enjoyed the course so far. It’s interesting learning about the different ways people learn and how to adapt your teaching style. I’m looking forward to getting more into how to design good quality training. I have continued to deliver training all the way through my course, which is great as I get to put what I’ve learnt into practice right away.”

The apprenticeship offers flexibility, with the ability to fit it around other commitments. Hannah said “I recently did a week-long First Aid course and was able to pause my apprenticeship, so I could focus on the training. It would have been too much to try and juggle both.”

Hannah was open about the anxiety she experiences and how the course has helped her, on a personal and professional level: “You wouldn’t think a highly anxious person would make a good trainer. In fact, you would think it would be a worst nightmare, but it’s actually been really good for my confidence. I’ve had to push myself out of my comfort zone, but having a supportive and understanding team around me really helps with that. I’m so glad I’ve been given this opportunity through Optalis, I have a lot to thank it for.”