Learning & Development Specialist Review

The L & D specialist role varies considerably on the business areas and projects that I'm aligned to at any one time. I have ownership to deliver objectives, projects and programmes in the most engaging way, and have the flexibility to balance the needs of our colleagues against those of the business. Daily I have interactions with colleagues across the stores and CSC from simple queries on e-learning access and email updates, stakeholder meetings on projects progress and delivery of training sessions as part of talent development programmes and CSC inductions. Project work involves researching needs of colleagues and business, design and implementation, reaching out to stakeholders for feedback and pulling together communication and launch plans, all as part of L & D initiatives and interventions aligned to the people and business strategy.

Coaching & facilitation skills, managing challenging situations, flexibility and adaptability to fast changing needs, learning design (online and facilitated learning), critical thinking and reflection, self awareness and personal effectiveness, collaboration and communication in teamworking and stakeholder interaction at all levels, organisation and administration to manage time and resources effectively, improvement & solution focused, questioning & listening skills as part of being a curious learner and practitioner.

I have immensely enjoyed my programme (so far) since beginning in September 2022. I have liked being able to interact with and share experiences with other L & D professionals in the cohort I am studying with. This is invaluable experience to connect with others in the field, share best practice and benchmark in similar professions and industries. I have enjoyed the level of detail in the programme, developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours, critical thinking, reflection, putting my learning into practice and sharing my experience.

The programme is structured well into 6 main modules that are easy to understand and clearly defined. The webinars and practice showcase assessments help to consolidate the learning and carry out some group activity and discussions. This alongside the skills day workshop that was delivered face to face meant I experienced a variety of learning methods. The ratio of self learning online vs facilitated learning can sometimes seem out of balance, however the programme stresses that self reflection and critical thinking is crucial for the EPA criteria, and so leading myself in my learning is understandable. This is supported with ad hoc group learning online where it is needed collectively.

I have received ongoing support from my line manager, L & D peers, people team including the apprenticeship manager, and stakeholders and the wider business where I've needed it. This is in the form of simple conversations and having the chance to reflect on my learnings, looking for and receiving opportunities to put my learning into practice and find out more about a subject as it arises.

The online learning platform is a great resource I have access to, that enhances my learning experience by providing the learning in digestible modules, structured and in-depth, as well as providing a comprehensive overview of the progress I have been making. The aforementioned webinars, online sessions and face to face skills workshop provided the best forum for connecting with my cohort and coach, as well as the one to one sessions with my coach.

There is no doubt that my qualification and knowledge, skills and behaviours that I have developed and continue to develop through my training provider have helped me to perform better in my role. Throughout the time in role and on programme, I have noticed my confidence in carrying out my day to day activities has increased and I'm taking more onboard to be involved in, as well as seeking opportunities to learn and put things into practice.

Yes, there are plenty of internal events to participate in that aren't directly involved in my role, but add to my exposure within the business and for me to meet people I might not normally have the chance to meet. That is an exciting part of my role as a people professional! Externally, there are industry events that I can and have attended (notably events such as the World of Learning) and third party provided webinars for extending my own development.

Yes

I joined Poundland as a referral - and it's something I would highly recommend and would love the opportunity to pass on and refer someone to Poundland. I have joined a business with a clear mission, vision and strategy, the right values to live by. The people the I work with directly and those that are part of the wider team and business are truly amazing and the recognition and celebration of success is something that always stands out to me working here.

We have a fantastic people team that supports the whole business - in fact being people led is one of our key pillars. This all starts with our amazing recruitment team and careers website, where we have some amazing insights into who we are. We put our colleague experience at the heart of what we do and continue to recognise & develop our colleagues as well as support their wellbeing, inclusion & community. My biggest piece of advice is to be yourself and there is a place for everyone at Poundland.