Helen’s Apprenticeship Journey: Level 4 Learning and Skills Mentor
Helen recently completed the Level 4 Learning and Skills Mentor apprenticeship and her journey has been both challenging and rewarding.
Reflecting on the experience, Helen shared how the apprenticeship gave her “a far better insight on how to help support, train and mentor others.” Managing a team of nine staff members with a wide range of abilities, she has been able to apply her new skills to strengthen their development as well as her own.
Overcoming barriers
One of the biggest hurdles Helen faced was her fear of maths. “My fear of maths nearly stopped me progressing to challenge myself to enrol on this course,” she explained. With the encouragement of her tutor, Karen, and the additional support of maths tutor Kate, Helen not only passed her Functional Skills maths qualification but also gained confidence she never thought possible.
“Kate made maths more relatable, which gave me more confidence in my own capabilities. I am very thankful I passed, which has also enabled me to support my son with his maths at high school – something I never thought I would say.”
Support along the way
Helen is quick to credit the CSR Scientific Training team for the role they played in her success.
“I cannot praise my tutor enough. Karen has been a lovely, friendly and supportive tutor. I would also like to thank the other staff members of the CSR group, from finding out my maths score quickly to responding to my questions. It is very much a team effort, and I just want to ensure everyone is thanked for supporting me throughout this journey.”
She also appreciated the online format of the course. “Karen made all the group interact, which when teaching online can be challenging.”
Achievements and future goals
Through determination and support, Helen achieved much more than she expected. Alongside completing the Level 4 Learning and Skills Mentor apprenticeship, she passed Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and an End Point Assessor qualification.
“The apprenticeship has challenged my own capabilities and given me the drive to complete this award. It has provided me with more confidence to succeed further in my career and given me the realisation that if I put my mind and determination into something I can achieve more.”
Helen’s achievements have made an impact not only on her professional life but also on her family. “Having two children, it makes me proud for them to realise that with hard work and determination you may not be the cleverest, but you can achieve more for yourself.”
