Meet one of our Line Managers, Gerry Thomas, who is supporting an apprentice at Alder Hey
How did you find out about the different apprenticeships available?
My role at the Trust is Head of Apprenticeships, so this makes me well versed in the wide range of benefits that apprenticeships can bring.
We are a small team, and I’m currently supporting a second staff member through an apprenticeship. As part of the PDR process, we identified gaps in knowledge and skills and investigated the Project Management Level 4 qualification to see if it was a good fit. We wanted the apprenticeship to build knowledge and skills, but we also wanted it to enhance confidence, and, one year in, we are both happy with the progress.
How have apprenticeship opportunities supported with workforce planning?
The subjects studied, and currently studying, have supported my team to plan their work, think independently and deliver projects to a very high standard.
Although apprenticeships can form part of workforce and succession planning, it’s not always about a promotion; taking an apprenticeship has made my staff feel valued and has given them transferable skills that will benefit them in the long-term.
What challenges have you faced supporting apprenticeship opportunities?
There have been very few challenges, perhaps this is because I knew some of the pit falls.
We planned what days would suit the team for the ‘off the job’ element of the apprenticeship, and made sure diaries coordinated so that I could support with mentoring and attending tripartite reviews.
What impact have the apprentice’s new knowledge, skills and behaviours made so far to your team/department?
The impact on the team has been significant; it has freed up some of the duties that I felt I couldn’t let go off. The team are enthusiastic about being independent and this has been a learning curve for me also. Our latest Apprenticeship Impact Report is evidence of what the team have achieved, the apprenticeships have been a determining factor because we have been able to pull together the knowledge and skills into direct reporting and outcomes.
What advice would you give to other managers who maybe considering taking on an apprentice?
If you have staff that you know are capable, and you can influence their future by being a mentor, see if there is an apprenticeship available, chances are there will be.
There is currently over 320 Alder Hey staff who have started an apprenticeship, in over 50 subjects and we are witnessing some amazing outcomes that are directly benefiting children and young people.