7 June 2024
Acacia Training and CGI: A new, exciting ed-tech partnership that highlights the importance of outstanding governance training
Acacia Training are thrilled to be partnering with The Corporate Governance Institute (CGI) to offer cutting-edge corporate governance training and education. This collaboration will equip our clients with essential governance skills for leadership success in today’s competitive and regulated business environment.
Courses and qualifications on offer range from specific skills training to fast-track courses, and to in-depth education, and are aimed at the likes of business leaders, governance specialists, directors or non-executive directors, C-level business leaders, company secretaries, and aspiring directors/aspiring leaders.
Our courses will include a number of certificates, plus Diplomas in Environmental & Social Governance (ESG) and also in Corporate Governance and are led by world-class business and corporate governance experts who are dedicated to educating a new generation of corporate leaders to be a force for good and growth in the world.
Victoria Sylvester, the CEO of Acacia Training: “The partnership between the Corporate Governance Institute (CGI) and Acacia Training represents a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering leadership excellence.
At Acacia Training, we recognise the growing demand for specialised skills in the boardroom, particularly in areas like ESG and Governance, and as an approved B-corp organisation ourselves we understand the importance of these boardroom skills. Our collaboration with CGI allows us to provide our clients with unparalleled access to dedicated corporate governance training, which is crucial in today’s dynamic and highly regulated business environment.
The tailored career packages and comprehensive training programs we offer will empower business leaders, governance specialists, directors, and aspiring leaders to develop the skills they need to navigate the complexities of modern corporate governance. We are thrilled to partner with CGI, whose esteemed qualifications will enhance the capabilities of our clients and prepare them for successful, impactful careers in leadership.
This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of creating a new generation of corporate leaders who are equipped to drive positive change and sustainable growth. Together, we are committed to delivering outstanding training that will not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of the corporate world.“
Ciaran Bollard, CGI’s Chief Executive Officer: “Corporate leaders are crucial to success no matter what industry you’re working in, but while it’s a rewarding career, responsibilities are increasing.
In the face of stricter government regulations and a more competitive business landscape, dedicated training has never mattered more. That’s why we’re very excited to announce this game-changing partnership with Acacia Training. The company’s years of experience and uniquely tailored career packages are exactly what the modern professional needs to broaden their skill set. We’re thrilled to partner with such learned expertise.
In addition, CGI qualifications will give Acacia clients a vital set of modern governance skills that they can use in their leadership careers for years to come.”
FOR MORE DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT US: ballyn@acaciatraining.co.uk
About the Corporate Governance Institute
The Corporate Governance Institute arms our graduates with the tools and expertise required to be highly effective board members.
The Corporate Governance Institute – headquartered in Dublin, Ireland – is the global leader in the education and certification of existing and aspiring boardroom directors. The Institute provides board directors with education and certification to the highest standards. Working with leading board members and industry practitioners, we create and deliver world-class education and certification for the modern board director.
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Our VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Swedish Massage Starts in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday 8th June
Our VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Swedish Massage starts in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday 8th June
Interested in a career in beauty therapy?
Wanting to enjoy your work environment?
Does gaining a Level 3 qualification based in Hanley over just 4 Saturdays appeal to you?
…..then turn your work environment from a job to a vocation by enrolling onto our VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Swedish Massage, which will prepare you to enter the specific sector of beauty therapy as a beauty (Swedish massage) therapist. The purpose of this qualification is to develop your skills in providing body massage treatments to a high level of occupational ability, to enable you to provide your own services for clients.
Since opening at the start of 2017, we have seen hundreds of our students develop their beauty careers with our academy based beauty courses. Foundations Nail and Beauty Academy is a leading provider of VTCT Accredited Beauty Industry courses, including Level 3 Nail Technology, Level 3 Make-Up Artistry, and Level 3 Beauty Therapy Massage. Our accredited courses have been designed for both beginners and those already working in the industry who wish to up-skill or re-train.
7 things about this course that you need to know
1. The Level 3 Certificate in Swedish Massage is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills in how to provide the relaxing and stress relieving treatment of body massage.
2. All the units in this qualification relate directly to the specific job role of a beauty (Swedish massage) therapist.
3. This course is accredited by VTCT – the leading specialist awarding organisation in the UK for qualifications in Beauty Therapy, with over 55 years of experience awarding qualifications within the UK and internationally. VTCT is also officially recognised by Ofqual and VTCT courses are recognised by potential future employers and all beauty insurance providers.
4. Underpinning this qualification, you will develop a sound knowledge of health and safety, and client care and communication.
5. You will also develop a knowledge and understanding of the practical skills learned throughout this qualification, such as anatomy and physiology.
6. This course can be funded by an Advanced Learner Loan if you are eligible. More details can be found here: https://acaciatraining.co.uk/invest-in-your-career-blog/
7. The legislations referred to within this qualification apply to UK learners. For learners outside of the UK, you should familiarise yourself with legislations that may apply to you. Prerequisite: There are no formal prerequisite qualifications that you must have prior to undertaking this qualification
When: Every Saturday 8th June – 29th June (9:30-15:30)
Where: Foundations, 2-4 Market Lane, Hanley, Stoke on Trent, ST1 1LA.
Course price: Commercial cost – £941. Full funding is available for this qualification via an Advanced Learner Loan. For more information, please call us and/or visit: www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
Please contact us first before applying for a loan.
Interested? Contact us asap: sales@acaciatraining.co.uk // 01782 646346
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#MyWayFriday – creating a culture of personal and professional wellbeing
Almost a year ago, our Director of People and Culture (Hannah Wheawall) introduced #MyWayFriday into Acacia Training. In very basic terms, it focuses on prioritising employee wellbeing by the company wrapping-up at 1pm every Friday afternoon.
“Lucky you!”, we hear you cry. And yes, we are very lucky to have incorporated this into our weekly routine – but possibly not for the reasons that you’re expecting. This isn’t about simply leaving work early…..
Of course, it’s fantastic to ‘finish early’ on a Friday, but there’s both reason and evidence behind the decision. We incorporated it because it’s a great opportunity for colleagues to get their work-life balance right and also to focus on their wellbeing and development – something that we often want to do, but never get the time to. We all know that the Covid-19 pandemic changed the world, including the world of work. We now work in different places, at different desks, use different forms of communication, work different hours, and many have had career changes in recent years due to increasing pressures, stress, and because their lives changed forever since 2020.
The World Health Organisation defines wellbeing as ‘encompassing quality of life and the ability of people and societies to contribute to the world with a sense of meaning and purpose’. Wellbeing is often seen as being measured by health, satisfaction and happiness, but we feel that the last part of the WHO’s definition is key – we want our colleagues to be in the very best position to make contributions that have meaning and purpose. To do that, we want them to prioritise their wellbeing and development, which will have a positive knock-on effect on both their lives and how they work, and how they feel about both. Because at Acacia Training, we would prefer to judge our workplace culture not by our social media announcements or even articles on this website – but rather by how they feel on a Sunday night!
Whilst we aren’t naive enough to think that the ‘Sunday dread’ doesn’t affect our colleagues, we want them to know that Acacia Training are fully behind developing themselves professionally AND personally. We think that’s a hugely important message to get across and a hugely important culture and environment to create.
The benefits to a company of focusing on employee wellbeing and development have been well documented: the likes of increased productivity; reducing illness and absenteeism; producing stronger working relationships; reducing stress; improving job satisfaction and retention; higher employee engagement and resilience; strengthening community and morale……..and producing happier colleagues!
We are striving to create better lives, not just better workplaces, as they go hand in hand. We feel that #MyWayFriday will not just have a positive impact on our business, but also on those who work for the business, too. Some of the examples of how our team are using their Friday afternoons can be seen here:
- Spending quality 1-to-1 time with family
- Completing relevant training and qualifications
- Joining a gym with a target of losing a stone
- Undertaking a short course focusing on diabetes
- Watching a family member play county cricket
- Completing Operational Manager Level 5 qualification
- Reading a HR book
- Starting volunteer work with a local charity
- Undertaking courses and CPD relevant to the role
- Wreathmaking classes
These are just a few examples of the breadth of what our fantastic colleagues are undertaking on Friday afternoons – all without the distraction of work, but all hopefully contributing to a better work/life balance and helping colleagues to enjoy their weekends and to start work on Monday mornings recharged, refreshed, and ready for the busy week ahead. Our ethos is that wellbeing and personal growth go hand in hand. Good wellbeing supports personal growth by equipping colleagues with the necessary resources and confidence to progress and succeed, whilst personal growth contributes to wellbeing by providing a sense of success and accomplishment.
We feel that colleagues feel happier and are more productive when they feel valued, and that’s why Hannah started #MyWayFriday – to make a real investment in our colleague’s holistic wellbeing and development, and not solely in the workplace. And anyway, making colleagues feel valued – that surely should be a given at work, shouldn’t it? We don’t pay lip-service to this, at Acacia Training we like to practice what we preach. We often talk to our customers about the importance of investing and creating time for their qualifications, studies, and themselves – so why should we be any different?
What we do is all about people, because that’s what the world is all about. We have a responsibility to provide a community where ‘our people’ feel happy, valued, and supported. At Acacia Training, we are passionate that those within and outside the building see that we invest in workplace wellbeing and development, and that we appreciate our colleagues and their lives. #MyWayFriday is a big part of that.
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Invest In Your Career & Invest In Your Future – With Our Advanced Learner Loan Courses
Invest In Your Career & Invest In Your Future – With Our Advanced Learner Loan Courses
5 quick questions…..
- Are you over 19 years old?
- Are you looking to change or develop your career?
- Want to undertake an exciting qualification (at Level 3 or above) through an outstanding training provider?
- Interested in a course and career in either Health & Social Care, Beauty, Childcare, Business Administration, Assessing, Management, Dental Nursing, Mental Health, or Sport & Fitness?
- Do you need a viable funding option to manage the cost of training?
If the answers above are a resounding “YES”, then you really do need to contact Acacia Training about our courses that are eligible to receiving Advanced Learner Loans.
We’ve all seen how the world has changed in the last few years – especially the world of work. People definitely work and think differently in 2024 – where they work, how they work, what work they do. More and more people aren’t simply looking for a new role – they are looking for a new career in something that they are good at, enjoy, excites them, or see as a vocation, not just as a job.
Let Acacia Training help YOU to do just that.
As one of the UK’s leading training providers, we have over two decades’ worth of experience and expertise in helping and supporting people like you through our carefully selected in-house or online courses and career packages. And one of the areas that we have seen an explosion in during recent times, is people funding this through Advanced Learner Loans.
Aaahhhhh, loans! To many, it’s a word to avoid and one that conjures up any number of negative images. We understand this and understand that Advanced Learner Loans could be a great way to fund the course that you want, need, and deserve. Let’s see if we can put your mind at risk and help you to really develop your career…..
___________________________________________________________________________
ADVANCED LEARNER LOANS MADE SIMPLE
What is an Advanced Learner Loan?
Advanced learner loans are available for learners aged 19+ to study qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6 in England. They cover tuition costs and are administered by Student Finance England.
What are some of the key benefits of an Advanced Learner Loan?
- You can borrow any amount from £300 up to the full cost of your tuition fees
- Getting the loan doesn’t depend on your household income
- There is no credit check
- You only start paying the loan back when you’re earning a certain amount
- If you study on an Access To HE course and go on to achieve a Higher Education qualification, you will not need to pay back your loan, regardless of what you earn
- All Advanced Learner Loans are written off after 30 years
- Don’t have to pay upfront for the course
- Government funded
- There are face to face, blended Learning and online options for courses
- Available for those working, unemployed, or in education
- Great if you are wanting a change in career – flexible learning
- Shorter duration compared to apprenticeships
- They are a good solution to complete a course if you are unable to complete an apprenticeship
- Simple eligibility rules
How big a loan can I get?
This depends on the type of course, the course fees, and the maximum loan available for the course.
Do I need to have a job to get an Advanced Learner Loan?
No, getting a loan does not depend on your income neither is it subject to credit checks. Any learner who meets the criteria will be able to apply for a loan, regardless of their current employment status.
Do I qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan?
You must be 19 years old or more and fulfil residency criteria. You will need to earn over £27,000 per year before you start to pay back the loan. Should you start earning over £27,000 per year, you will start to pay a percentage back. If it is that you don’t ever earn over £27,000 then don’t pay back the loan and eventually it will be written off.
I’m at or going to university. Does this matter?
Don’t worry – if you’re in higher education, any government loans you take out will be combined with your Advanced Learner Loan. Your repayments won’t change.
How may loans can I apply for?
For most qualifications, you can apply for up to 4 loans and you can get more than one at the same time. There are some exceptions to this.
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THE ACACIA DIFFERENCE
Why choose Acacia Training for your Advanced Learner Loan course?
As we’ve said above, we have the expertise and expertise that you will be looking for, and we are the chosen training provider for a vast range of people, companies, and organisations. Some say they go the extra mile – we simply go ahead and do it.
• We offer a range of different courses in a number of different sectors
• Costs are sometimes at a reduced rate
• You will have an in-depth discussion about the course details before signing up to it
• 1-1 tutoring and enrolment support are provided, as is the expertise and support to help you to apply for the loan.
Sound of interest? Get in touch today to speak to one of our dedicated team members who can help you learn more: Sales@acaciatraining.co.uk
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National Apprenticeship Week 2023 – James’ Story Revisited
This National Apprenticeship Week, we are giving you an insight into some of the Apprentices that we have had the pleasure of working with. We first featured James Machin-Brzozowski last year when he was a Home Care Co-ordinator. Fast forward to present day and James is now a Care Home Manager.
An apprenticeship with Acacia Training has helped James take the next step in his career, securing two promotions in just six months, to become Care Home Manager at Weston House Residential Home. As studies reveal care worker vacancies have risen to a record high (by 52%), and 95% of care providers reporting a struggle to recruit staff. Apprenticeships, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care which James undertook in September 2020, are vital for the care sector’s survival.
In October 2020, James, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, was made redundant when his previous employer went into administration. He applied for a role as Activities Coordinator with Weston House Residential Home in Weston Coyney. The home is a 33 bedded residential home offering personal care or mental health support. Since then, James decided to enrol on an apprenticeship, a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care alongside Level 2 Maths and English, and has never looked back.
“I decided to do an apprenticeship with Acacia Training as it combined on-the-job training alongside the off-the-job assignments which I needed to complete. This gave me a better understanding of key legislation when caring for people, alongside gaining the correct skills to enable me to care properly for those residents I am looking after. A lot of people don’t realise you can actually undertake an apprenticeship as an adult, I started mine at aged 31, but it gives you a nice balance as it isn’t all assignments with a lot of it being observations whilst you’re working. This helped me a lot as writing isn’t my strongest skill”, says James.
“One of the best things about doing an apprenticeship is the opportunity it gives you for progression. Within six months, I was promoted to a new position as home care coordinator and have recently been promoted again to Registered Manager after undertaking a further Level 5 qualification in ‘Management in Social Care’. The courses have given me a lot of knowledge in Health and Social Care which has built my confidence to complete my daily duties within my role. My employer has funded the course and given me time to study which is great”, added James.
Jodie McVay, Director at Weston House, commented: “I am very proud of James. He started at Weston House as an activities coordinator and, as time progressed, he began to take on more responsibility. We are a company who encourages staff to take on training as we want them to climb the ladder and continue to improve.
“The depth of training given through Acacia Training is incredible. The apprenticeship is tailored to the individual home and the practices we do, which helps us to enhance our business and build our reputation. The additional training in Maths and English also builds on this as it gives staff a more fluid and thorough approach to writing reports which helps the business run more smoothly.
“One of the many advantages of having an apprentice is the ability to train someone with little or no prior experience. Staff can learn how to do things correctly from the start, and we believe in giving everyone the chance to progress as we all need to start somewhere. Within our home, we ensure all staff are paid the same as other members of the team as everyone is a valued member of the team, including James, who has done an incredible job to progress the way he has.”
Since completing his apprenticeship, James has given some advice to future apprentices: “My advice for anyone looking to do an apprenticeship is to recognise that it is a big commitment and you have to want to learn more in order to achieve more from the courses. Don’t let failure set you back, I found the Maths element particularly difficult but I passed on the second time after getting additional support from my tutor.
“Moving forward, I am looking forward to getting stuck into my new role as manager whilst I help the care home I am in to boost their rating. As I continue to develop within the role, I will look to see how I can further this progression within the care sector and what my options for this are.”
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Professional Care Pathway – 4 – 6 Month Course Pathways (fully funded training)
In 2022, a Skills for Care report found that staff vacancies across the Care Sector had risen by 52% to 165,000 in 2021-22 – the largest annual increase since records began in 2012-13. Staff turnover rates over this period have also remained high at 29%.
In direct response, Acacia Training have developed the Professional Care Pathway, an innovative end to end recruitment and training solution to help tackle the immediate and longer-term capacity issues in social care.
The Pathway helps to attract more people to the sector and make it easier for the people who love working in social care to stay through investment in their career development.
Based on employer feedback, the pathway now also includes fully funded 4 and 6 month fast track to level 3 short course programmes.
This training is aimed at those who are new to care and want to get into the sector, enhance their career, and equip their staff with the skills and knowledge to deliver care to the highest standard.
Start your pathway by filling out our expression of interest form – http://acaciatraining.co.uk/pathway-to-care-eoi/
Entry requirements:
Aged 19+
Have legal right to work and live in the UK
Not all applicants will be eligible for courses
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National Apprenticeship Week – Clare’s Story
The final Apprentice spotlight shines on our very own Clare Hancock, who completed an Operations / Departmental Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship, allowing her to scale new heights within her career!
Enrolling on the apprenticeship when she was in her late 30s, Clare says that the Apprenticeship gave her progression opportunities that she otherwise would not have experienced, and enabled her to be much more adaptable within her role.
Apprenticeship being undertaken with Acacia Training
Operations / Departmental Manager Apprenticeship – Level 5
How would you rate your experience of the Apprenticeship?
5 out of 5!
What work experience or level of qualification did you have before you started your Apprenticeship?
I have always worked since I was 16, but during my career I have been fortunate to access multiple opportunities through further education. I did have a prior level 5 qualification but in different field so this was a completely new sector to learn about.
How would you describe an Apprenticeship to someone who is not familiar with Apprenticeships?
I didn’t start my Apprenticeship until I was in my late 30’s, I thought I had done all my learning but I was given a further opportunity through Acacia that would allow me to progress further in my career. My apprenticeship allowed me to learn on the job, it was completely flexible to my commitments, my tutor was very engaged and knowledgeable – I would definitely recommend an Apprenticeship to anyone considering one.
What encouraged you to undertake an Apprenticeship?
For me it was the progression opportunities and that the course would enable me to be more adaptable within my role.
Has the Apprenticeship enabled you to progress in your career and / or achieve personal goals?
Following on from the completion on my Apprenticeship I was successful in applying for a senior management role within Acacia and my growth has been amazing. I do believe that my apprenticeship had a huge part to play.
In your opinion, what has been the best thing about undertaking an Apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship allowed me to continue to learn whilst still earning a living. Allowed me to gain a nationally recognised qualification. Watched my own journey turn into something amazing.
To find out how you could benefit from a fully funded Apprenticeship, speak to a member of our expert team today at skills@acaciatraining.co.uk or call us on 01782 646 346
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Manage a team with an Apprenticeship – Rebecca’s story
Rebecca, Woods is a Deputy Manager at Tab Care and Support and has recently enrolled on a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management.
Rebecca is just one more of many management level workers who has benefited from an Apprenticeship and attributes much of what they currently do to the skills that Acacia Training were able to support them with.
What work experience and / or qualifications did you have before you started your Apprenticeship?
Media, Law, Psychology A level
Maths, English, Maths GCSE and Functional Skills Level 2
Creative Arts and Media Diploma Level 2
First class BSC Psychology Degree
I also worked in Residential childcare for 6 years; 2 and a half years as support worker, 2 as team leader, and 18 months as deputy
What encouraged you to undertake an Apprenticeship?
Wanting to progress towards being a registered manager.
Is the Apprenticeship what you expected? Please explain why or why not.
Yes – it was very positive and informative, giving me a deeper understanding of the work I am carrying out with the young people in my care.
In your opinion, what has been the best thing about undertaking an Apprenticeship?
Refreshing my knowledge of attachment, child development. This has improved and supported my approach and ability to understand the young people significantly
What have Acacia Training and your employer done to support your learning journey?
Acacia have given me new levels of knowledge of legislation and then encourage me to think more broadly in terms of how to improve the standards that are already outlined in the legislation, considering what the next steps are in order to ensure the well-being of the young people in care.
What new skills have you acquired in undertaking the Apprenticeship?
Being able to think more critically and being able to apply my knowledge more promisingly in a manner that ensures outcomes for the young people
In what ways have Apprenticeships exceeded your expectations? Would you recommend them to others?
I did not recognise how much this would improve my capabilities and understanding of my role and improve my abilities to lead and manage a team.
To find out how you could benefit from a fully funded Apprenticeship, speak to a member of our expert team today at skills@acaciatraining.co.uk or call us on 01782 646 346
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“I set up my own business thanks to an Apprenticeship!” – Danielle’s story
Morning Dannielle! Please tell us your name, what your job is and what Apprenticeship you are doing or have just completed?
Hi! My name is Dannielle Dunn and I am the Owner / Director at cosmetics manufacturer ‘Divine Box’. I recently started a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Ops Management.
Can you tell us a little bit about how your career within care, specifically Residential Childcare – where it all started and how your career has developed to where it is now?
At 16 I Went to college to do the equivalent of what was then known as NVQ level 2 in Care, and soon after, began work in the care industry. I started off in the community for the elderly before moving on to work with people with learning disabilities.
I went on to study my NVQ level 3 and continued in the field, eventually taking up position of Senior Care Worker and then Care Co-ordinator. I worked very long hours, sometimes doing a sleep-in during the night and then straight into the office for work the next day; it was hard work but was ultimately very rewarding.
After a number of years, I moved back to Stoke to join Acacia Training as an assessor for people studying Health and Social Care. This was and still is a challenging role, but, like my past career, it taught me new skills.
It was during this time that I decided to enroll on a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Ops Management, which has given me even more confidence in my own abilities; I thought “if I can encourage someone to go for it, then why can’t I go self -employed myself?”.
During the start of the recent lockdown, I made the difficult decision to go self-employed, which has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. The ecommerce platform on which Divine Box operates has thrived, and I have been able to build a close knit and supportive team around me. My Mum and Dad are both on the wholesale team, with a close friend doing the admin, and my partner is working alongside me every step of the way.
How has the Apprenticeship training and support helped your career progression?
I initially wanted to begin the Apprenticeship because I have always been a creative person, but wanted to learn the business side of things. I was a member of several online communities during lockdown, but the Apprenticeship gave me a much better understanding of the business side things, and I now feel confident and ready to take this on myself.
What, if anything, did you know about Apprenticeships before you did one yourself?
Due to working with Acacia Training, I was aware of the many and great benefits of Apprenticeships. I have always thought that they are massively important. You really get to develop as person and grow in areas you didn’t know you could. Thanks to Apprenticeships, there is always an opportunity to learn, whatever field or industry it might be in.
What has been your experience of juggling the Apprenticeship training and working full time?
This year I have made the promise to myself to set aside time for personal development. The Apprenticeship has allowed me to give admin staff more hours and has encouraged me to manage the business in a more ‘hands off’ management capacity. This new viewpoint will give me time and a reason to concentrate on myself and develop myself to manage the business. It’s a very exciting time!
Do you thimk other people realise that anyone of any age can access Apprenticeship training up to Degree and even Master’s degree level?
I don’t think they do! I’m all for spreading the word and have already discussed doing an Apprenticeship with my Head of Administration at Divine Box. Unless I worked for Acacia, I probably wouldn’t have known the benefits or even the possibility to enrol on an Apprenticeship at this point of my journey. It was when I was teaching – I realised that one of my eldest learners was 69 and wanted to learn something before she retired. It was a lightbulb moment!
What Benefits of completing an Apprenticeship as an employed adult have you seen?
A former colleague of mine was in her 50s and worked at a care provider. She completed an Apprenticeship which taught her a great deal in management, bookkeeping and accounting. The Apprenticeship taught her what she needed to run a business, and one of her projects on the Apprenticeship was to set up a business plan, which I helped her put together and developed with policies and procedures. This business plan eventually became the basis of her own business.
In the end, thanks to the knowledge gained on the Level 5 Apprenticeship in Care, my colleague went on to set up her own care home!
What advice would you give to someone who might be considering doing an Apprenticeship for the first time?
Quite simply “To absolutely go for it. Take the leap and do it.”
To find out how you could benefit from a fully funded Apprenticeship, speak to a member of our expert team today at skills@acaciatraining.co.uk or call us on 01782 646 346
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9 February 2022
National Apprenticeship Week – Emma’s Management Success
Another amazing example of how even managers can benefit from undertaking an Apprenticeship. Emma McAllister is a Manager at CSM Independence who enrolled on a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management.
Emma values the support that she receives during her Apprenticeship from her assessor, who Emma says has encourage her to look at things from a different, and useful, point of view.
Apprenticeship being undertaken with Acacia Training
Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management
What work experience and / or qualifications did you have before you started your Apprenticeship?
Managerial roles in Single Homeless Hostel, Liverpool and managerial role in semi-independent accommodation with young people age between 16-18 years.
What encouraged you to undertake an Apprenticeship?
Having the qualification will secure further personal development and opportunities within the industry.
In your opinion, what has been the best thing about undertaking an Apprenticeship?
The Apprenticeship has worked well as I can go at my own pace and my assessor is very supportive.
What have Acacia Training and your employer done to support your learning journey?
My assessor is on hand the majority of the time and my employer allow me to complete work in work hours if need be.
What new skills have you acquired in undertaking the Apprenticeship?
I have learned to talk through any questions or queries with my assessor – we often have long conversations about situations which arise in the workplace. My assessor has encouraged me to look at things with a different view from time to time.
In what ways have Apprenticeships exceeded your expectations? Would you recommend them to others?
I would recommend to others as it is a relaxed way of working.
To find out how you could benefit from a fully funded Apprenticeship, speak to a member of our expert team today at skills@acaciatraining.co.uk or call us on 01782 646 346
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