Miranda Smith - Workforce Co-Ordinator
Miranda Smith - Workforce Co-Ordinator at Staffordshire County Council
We’ve spoken to people from across the region who are currently completing, or who have completed, an apprenticeship so you can find out more about the opportunities available.
Miranda is a Workforce Co-ordinator at Staffordshire County Council. Miranda has completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Learning & Development which has supported her role with Staffordshire County Council and given her more confidence!
Read on to find out more about why they chose the apprenticeship route, what they enjoyed the most and more importantly, how it can help you in your career.
Tell us more about your apprenticeship?
People often think apprenticeships are for young people, straight out of school or college. But that’s not the case anymore. I’m 60 this year and have just completed an apprenticeship! They’re a great opportunity at any age or stage of your career. When I first started my apprenticeship, I felt a little overwhelmed about juggling the coursework and my job, but my managers were super supportive and my assessor was always on hand to help. Although it was a challenge to find time to do the course work, it helped that I could evidence my learning through tasks that are part of my everyday job. I was also supported by my team and allowed some time to complete assignments in work. I did the rest of the project work at weekends. The happiness and sense of achievement I felt when I passed was amazing but that wasn’t the end of it because I know the changes in me will be long lasting.
What did you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?
Doing the course with learners from other organisations was great too, building a network and learning how they worked compared with us has been really beneficial, it helped me think much more strategically and see the bigger picture. Although I’ve got no immediate plans to take on a further course, I do love to keep learning, so who knows where it will lead!
How has your apprenticeship helped you?
The biggest different is in my confidence levels – I’m definitely more confident when co-facilitating a session. Ultimately, I am more reflective now, I try to think outside of the box and I learnt so much that has helped me in my day to day role.
For anyone considering an apprenticeship I would definitely recommend it, for your career development and the confidence it gives you, it’s really worthwhile.
