LMP Education would like to congratulate Andy Bone, a Level 3 Library, Information and Archive Services apprentice from West Berkshire Library Service for winning Apprentice of the Month! Here is Andy’s story:
“I chose this apprenticeship programme as I had retired from my previous career and was looking for an opportunity for continued public service and learning opportunities. This apprenticeship was advertised for a new starter. It sounded interesting and indeed it has been. I have really enjoyed the learning opportunities.
At 58 years old I was looking for a new career and development opportunity. I already have a degree from Sheffield Polytechnic. I am a believer in lifelong learning and completed a GCSE in Astronomy about a decade ago. An apprenticeship is a new way of learning and developing.
The main benefit of an apprenticeship is the vocational training that can be applied directly to your role, facilitating your worth to the employer and also your personal development and growth.
I am most proud of producing my archives assignment. Without everything I had completed on the apprenticeship before I would never have got so much out of it and enjoyed it so much. It was a really good feeling. I also saw some of the most beautiful reliquaries that I believe sit as something of national significance but are not yet recognised.
The best thing about my role is helping the public. I have always enjoyed this aspect, and I love interacting with them. Plus, books are fun, and I have found loads to read I would not have otherwise found.
My line managers have been amazingly supportive throughout the apprenticeship, ensuring I have time to complete work and regular checks on my progress outside of the LMP check ins. Towards the end of the apprenticeship there was a sudden unforeseen timescale issue. My line managers have been fantastic in allowing me to complete work at an accelerated rate to ensure I can get to the EPA in the required timescale. They have also been rather good at motivating me when I have struggled and also providing good quality feedback throughout.
Leslie (LMP tutor), from the start has been patient, clear, supportive and ready to answer questions and clarify areas for me. On one of the early assignments, we went through the learning power point twice about a month apart as I was struggling, her ability to realise where I was struggling and then focus on that specific area was really appreciated and allowed the learning and development to happen. Her support throughout has been exceptional. I would also mention my colleagues who throughout have been willing to give their time, answer my questions and listen to me when I needed to run through something. This is a lovely environment with really nice colleagues.
The most important skill I’ve learned is self-awareness. I came from a previous career that was very much focused on Diversity, Openness and treating people fairly as individuals. I was confident that this was an area of strength. However, throughout this apprenticeship I have realised there are different perspectives to this area and have had to adjust some of my thought processes. This has allowed growth in an area I had not considered. That’s awesome. You should always look for learning opportunities.
I have had a successful previous career as a police officer. Following the completion of my apprenticeship I am looking to continue the public service aspect that I always found to interesting. I am not looking for promotion or a second management career. As such this apprenticeship has allowed development, learning, personal growth and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. That is more than enough.”
Well done, Andy, best of luck in the future!
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