Learning and Development Designer Review

My current role within the Civil Service is a 'Learning and Development Designer'. This means that along with other members of the deisgn team we create learning material for our colleagues in operational roles to perform their jobs sufficiently. If any changes to policies that affect the business are made, it is our job to ensure our learning material accommodate the new policy changes.

As an apprentice in this role I have learnt a variety of ways in which individuals learn. It has made me more aware of my peers and colleagues both in and out of work, and it has given me a new light on the way people learn. It has also highlighted to me that learning never ends, both as a learning designer and as an apprentice.

I absolutely love my program! Before joining this program I was stuck in a rut with my day to day job with no direction and no enthusiasm. I wanted to acheive something in life but weren't sure what direction to take in order to make it happen. I was confused with what I wanted to do as a career but I knew I enjoyed a challenge and being exposed to things unfamiliar to me. When this opportunity came about, I applied instantly and am so glad that I did. It isn't a role that I would have initially picked on face value which has learnt me to never judge a book by its cover. This is because I love my job role as a learning designer, and each day welcomes a new, fresh challenge.

I feel truly valued in the Civil Service. They highly recognise the importance of a work/life balance, and my Line Manager is there for me anytime that I need her. There is a huge focus on your personal development through regular 121 meetings, and my Line Manager actively checks in with me every other day to see how I am doing with my work. I have been encouraged to network with colleagues outside of our office to broaden my contacts for future development.

Now that I have started my program I can see the structure of it taking place. Initially starting the program was a slow process which was due to the high volume of applicants. However now that I am in my post and time progresses, I have met with my Apprentice assessor and I fully understand my workload ahead which I can balance with my work commitments as a Learning and Development Designer. My Line Manager supports me with any time that I need to undergo any work for specific deadlines.

My assessor is friendly and approachable which is lucky. I have emailed him several times since receiving my workload and he has always been prompt in answering any questions that I may have. I meet with the assessor every 6 weeks to review work I have carried out, and to discuss what will be happening next. Along with my Line Manager, both them and my assessor provide great support to me during this process.

Through my Line Manager i receive a lot of support. As previously mentioned my manager is there for me should I ever have any questions or concerns. She is understanding of my work commitments to the Apprenticeship, and actively plans work commitments around this so that the workload isn't too much.

My salary for an apprenticeship is satisfying! Prior to this I was ina regular full time job working 40 hour weeks with weekend work, and earning considerably less than I am now. For anyone considering an Apprenticeship but unsure whether to do so, I would always suggest researching them before ruling it out. It has paid off for me and I know that in a couple of years with hard work and commitment, I will progress with the Civil Service and develop into new roles which will reward me with even higher salary rewards and benefits.

At the moment, I wouldnt say I have been made aware of opportunities outside of work that link to my current job role. In terms of the things I am learning, these can be asserted to everyday life which is something I have taken on board. There are benefits to those working for the Civil Service which can be used outside of work such as discounts which can be extremely rewarding.

Yes

Its a great organisation to work for. It has ranked as one of the best employers to work for time and time again in polls taken each year. You are treated as an individual and are expected to manage your own time, providing you show the work and commitment to your role. I feel excited for the future do to so many potential paths that I can take, and so many doors open to me once completing the Apprenticeship program.

Dont give up. It can feel like a slow process once youve applied but thats due to the high volume of applicants which in my mind suggests its a great organisation to work for if so many people want to apply! Once you gain your role, regardless of where you are placed you will feel rewarded through recognition and support, and a highly competitive salary makes coming to work enjoyable and beneficial.