Level 5 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship
Introduction
I am Tom Jacklin and I work as an Executive Coordination Manager in Lincs and Northants Area of the Environment Agency. In addition to my day job role, I also sit as a steering group lead for the Apprenticeship Network Group, a Defra wide Network that supports apprentices through comms and events, networking, and general support, and I set up and run the National Educational Outreach Group that looks to support those that are interested in improving the way we carry out engagement activities with the next generation of Environment Agency employee’s
Which apprenticeship are you completing/ed?
I completed a level 5 leadership and management apprenticeship in 2021 and passed with distinction. I was really pleased with this result as I had struggled initially on the course due to my dyslexia (more on that later).
Why did you decide to complete an apprenticeship?
I left school at 16 with no formal qualifications and went straight into work, this was not an issue for me initially but as I started to move through my career it was something that played on my mind. In addition, I had been managing various teams for 5 years and had led our Area People Group for 2 so I was keen for a change, or a challenge and this apprenticeship seemed to fit the bill. By doing the Level 5 instead of the Level 3, I felt I was recognising the breadth of leadership experience I had developed and the responsibilities I held at the time.
What did the apprenticeship involve and how did it relate to your day-to-day job?
It covered off many different management techniques and theories that were useful in my role as IEP team Leader, People Group Led, and Project Manager. As part of the apprenticeship, I was able to undertake project which benefitted the whole area and this has since been used as a recruitment example in interview.
How was the apprenticeship delivered?
My apprenticeship happened during the Covid Lock downs, so I attended all sessions online. I also completed my end point assessment virtually.
How easy or difficult was it to balance your apprenticeship work with your day-to-day work?
I found it was easy if I kept on top of assignments and that I dedicated my time in a way that worked for me. I found it easier to book out a week as busy, get someone to cover my TL role, and knuckle down with a few assignments at the same time
What support were you offered to help complete the apprenticeship? (e.g. Coach, Line Manager, Team, other apprentices)
I was lucky to have a skills coach from QA and learning support coach who helped me access the reasonable adjustments, a line manager who was engaged and interested in my project, and the support of my peer group who helped provide me with cover for my team.
As mentioned previously, I struggled with the written assignments due to my dyslexia. It can be hard for me to get my ideas out of the verbal and into the written format, this also affects me when I have self-edit my work. Through exploration of my option’s mid-way through my apprenticeship I was able to agree a reasonable adjustment of being able to provide video answers to each of the modules. I still had to plan, research and reference but it made delivery a lot easier as I was playing to my strengths.
How have you been able to apply the skills gained in your apprenticeship in your day?
Since completing my apprenticeship I have gone on to set up new teams and groups in the Agency and I have secured a new role in a different Area. Outside of work I am more confident and feel proud to have gained formal qualifications and my chartership.
I have since gone on to secure a higher-grade role in a part of the business that has always been attractive to me. In addition, I have gone on to use my management theory to deliver many key pieces of work and projects. It has grown my confidence and given me the skills I needed to reach my full potential.
What has been your main successes of the Programme?
Overcoming my dyslexia to get a distinction in my apprenticeship and learning the value of asking for reasonable adjustments at work.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is to go for it! Make sure you discuss implications with your line manager and plan your time around it but it’s such an amazing experience I think everyone should do one.
