Staff apprenticeship case study revisited
How Natalie Pocock catalysed her career through Warwick’s staff apprenticeship scheme
Natalie Pocock, Learning & Development Business Partner, enrolled on Warwick’s staff apprenticeship scheme in October 2019. We are revisiting Natalie’s case study to find out where she is now, and how the course and her time at Warwick has shaped her career.
Can you tell me a bit about your professional journey to where you are now?
I first came to Warwick in 2005 as a student and never really left! During my time here, I’ve studied at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, sometimes alongside full-time employment, and no matter what my connection to the University has been, I’ve always found it to be a welcoming and inspiring community to be a part of.
After graduating, I worked in the Residential Life Team and the Library, and part of these roles involved providing students with pastoral support, tutoring, and training. My interests there led me towards becoming a Teacher. As a school Subject Leader, I discovered that my real passion lay in enabling the professional development of staff, so I came back to the University to join the Leadership and Management Development team. I’ve been in the team for seven years now, and I’m currently a Learning and Development Business Partner
So, why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
It was something I wanted to do to progress my career. I found a course that taught the knowledge, skills, and behaviours which are essential in my profession, and would train me for future roles, so it had a clear link with my intended career path. After completing the apprenticeship, I was able to progress, partly thanks to the experience and skills I had acquired.
“It’s been a catalyst for my career. It’s really helped me to advance in a much quicker way than I probably would have done otherwise.”
Were there any challenges you overcame during the apprenticeship?
Most of my apprenticeship took place during the pandemic. Since some elements of the course are quite practical, I had to find different opportunities to demonstrate and apply the skills in a work-based context whilst working remotely. I had to adapt and think creatively!
What did you enjoy most about the course?
I really liked the mixed cohort approach. Being able to meet people from different organisations and understand how their learning and development is structured and delivered broadened my awareness and gave me some great ideas to bring back to Warwick.
I was also lucky to have the opportunity to do a residential experience in Wales. We did various team building activities to build up resilience, skills in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. That experience really brought some of the standards to life – by applying these skills in different situations, I came to see what my key strengths are and where I could develop further.
Did anything about the apprenticeship course surprise you?
It made me realise the amount of expertise, resources and tools we have at our disposal at Warwick, and this was a key contributor to my success. For example, as part of my course, I was required to produce a learning journal. I was able to use Mahara (an online platform that Warwick provides) to build it as a virtual portfolio that incorporated written reflections, video and audio notes, and this interactivity really made it stand out from other apprentices’ journals.
Also, many colleagues across the University have very willingly and generously shared their knowledge, experience and time to support me on the apprenticeship, and I’m grateful for this.
The theme for National Apprentice Week this year is ‘Skills for Life’, what would you say is the most important skill you enhanced through the apprenticeship?
Technical skills, such as consultancy, facilitation, digital design, and learning management, have given me strong foundations for a lasting career in learning and development, and are skills I continue to use as an effective business partner.
And lastly, what advice would you give to your younger self before starting the course?
I would say ‘Go for it!’ It will be challenging at times, but the benefits are huge and it’s really valuable. It’s an investment in yourself that’s definitely worth doing.
Find out about Staff Apprenticeships at Warwick and the opportunities available here.Link opens in a new window