9th February 2023 Building our skills for life
We are big fans of discovering what you are amazing at and promoting opportunities to build your skills, regardless of what stage in your career you are at.
As Socrates said, “education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
Which is why we have a commitment to learning and development for all members of The Talent Foundry team and why we have a real spark for finding and embracing learning opportunities.
For two of our team, this has meant embarking on an apprenticeship, enabling them to develop workplace skills and confidence as well as share their learning and experiences with the wider organisation.
Maria’s story
I am doing a Level 3 apprenticeship in Fundraising. My career journey at The Talent Foundry started in June 2021 as a Programme Admin Officer. I quickly became interested in fundraising after taking part in our annual charity bike ride event.
Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, I was grateful for the opportunity to do a fundraising apprenticeship.
First of all, an apprenticeship, alongside working, has given me the focus and structure I needed to develop my skills and knowledge. With dedicated working hours to workshops and off-the-job training, I am able to commit valuable time to learn and develop my skills and knowledge. Additionally, it has allowed me to build my professional network, learning from established fundraisers and alongside dedicated apprentices.
I am almost halfway through my apprenticeship, and the benefits have been abundant. During my apprenticeship, I get tailored support from my skills coach and learning advisor, as well as my employer. I also have access to external training, networking events, workshops and webinars. I am able to apply what I am learning on a weekly basis and get on-the-job experience. I am assured that what I learn are the right skills needed in a real working environment.
After finishing my apprenticeship, I am hoping to get a nationally recognised qualification, which will help me advance my career. My ambition is to develop the income generation strategy at The Talent Foundry, diversify our income and build meaningful relationships with donors.
Liz’s story
I am a huge advocate for apprenticeships as a great alternative way of upskilling. I have a unique experience of both sides of apprenticeships, having worked in a provider, supporting young people into their first apprenticeship employment and training, and also having experience of being an apprentice myself, twice!
For individuals considering apprenticeships, I cannot stress the benefits enough.
I completed my first degree apprenticeship in 2014 in Leadership and Management, graduating alongside my friends who chose the traditional university route and it was my proudest achievement at that time. I am now on a Level 7 Masters Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management, expanding my skills and knowledge even further.
Without the opportunity to complete this alongside full time employment, I would never be able to study at Masters level in the conventional way. There are no tuition fees for me to pay, as my course is funded by the Apprenticeship Levy and sponsored by my employer.
Being able to learn about developing strategy and leading teams whilst I am at work, means I can use my newly developed skills and knowledge immediately. This not only develops my confidence, but also has a huge benefit to the organisation I work in.
My managers are really supportive of my studies, and it has created opportunities for me to work outside my comfort zone, leading staff training sessions, producing new ideas and programmes, which are not only part of my day job, but are also useful pieces of evidence for my qualification.
Completing apprenticeships has made me a more skilled, confident employee, able to create a positive impact within my organisation. I will be graduating again in 2024 and I cannot wait to put on the ceremonial robes again, knowing that I would not be celebrating this day without the opportunity to complete my apprenticeship. The best benefit of all is that I will have two degrees and no student debt.
If you are considering your future, I highly recommend looking into apprenticeships, it is a brilliant way to combine studying whilst earning.
Apprenticeships at The Talent Foundry have been made possible through the support of SAS UK and the apprenticeship levy transfer service. SAS has gifted a percentage of its apprenticeship levy to the charity to support staff take on an apprenticeship.