Learning & Development Specialist Review

The L & D specialist role varies considerably with the business areas and projects that you are aligned to at any one time. You 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. You have interactions with colleagues across the stores and the office, participate in stakeholder meetings on projects, and deliver training sessions as part of talent development programmes and 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 that are aligned to the people and business strategy.

Supporting continuous professional development, capability analysis, adult learning theories and how to apply them, face-to-face learning & facilitation skills, digital learning, learning design (content curation and creation using software and systems), critical thinking and reflection, self-awareness and personal effectiveness, collaboration and communication in teamworking and stakeholder interaction at all levels, organisation to manage time and resources effectively, improvement & solution focused, questioning & listening skills as part of being a curious learner and practitioner.

I have enjoyed my 18 month programme, that started in September 2022 and fully completed in March 2024. I have liked being able to interact with and share experiences with other L & D professionals in the cohort I have studied 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 2-day skills workshop that was delivered face to face meant there is an experience of a variety of learning methods. There was a significant portion of self-learning online and the programme stresses that self-reflection and critical thinking is crucial for the EPA criteria, and so leading yourself in your learning is understandable.

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

The online learning platform is a great resource to 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 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.

The knowledge, skills and behaviours that I have developed through studying and achieving this qualification have helped boost my confidence in my role, and supplement the knowledge that I can bring to my work. I have achieved better performance and outcomes, throughout the time on the programme, and I have greater certainty of my strengths and my career path now that I have completed the qualification.

There are plenty of internal events to participate in that are open to all, and they can add to your exposure within the business and offer a chance to meet new people. That is an exciting part of a people professional role! Externally, there are industry events that you can attend and third party providers for masterclasses and webinars for extending your own development.

Yes

I joined Poundland as a referral - and it's something I would highly recommend and would love the opportunity to 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. 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.