LMP Education are proud to provide training to learners of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. Through our network of Learning Support tutors, we help our learners to make the most of their apprenticeship and reach their full potential. Eleanor Allan is a Level 4 School Business Professional apprentice who has regained her confidence in learning through her apprenticeship. Here is her story:
“I have working in a primary school for 10 years as an administrator. 2 years ago, I was promoted to Office Manager and became more invested in my future. My own children are now older and slightly more independent and my part time job that was previously convenient for looking after my children has now presented me with a great opportunity to become full time and progress. I found out about the School Business Professionals apprenticeship and thought it was an ideal course to support me in my new job role.
I have autism and ADHD and have always struggled to focus when it comes to learning. I couldn’t take my GCSEs or A Levels seriously as the pressure was too much for me, so I avoided revision and lessons like the plague. I have attended university twice and dropped out after 2 weeks as I found it so overwhelming. I attended college part time for a year, but also dropped out of the course to begin paid work, far more appealing! My track records of commitment when it comes to education is very poor. However, this apprenticeship is ideal for me as it runs alongside my job role, an area where I already have experience and confidence and I find myself being able to focus on my studies much more successfully. The course work requires you to draw on your own experiences in the world of work and this appeals to me far more than sitting in a classroom writing about hypothetical scenarios. My focus is much stronger, and I find myself to be a lot more able to complete this style of learning.
The apprenticeship programme benefits both you and your employer, therefore, I found it very easy to sell the idea of me completing this apprenticeship to my current boss! I envisage having a qualification will boost my confidence in the world of work and set me on a level playing field with other people my age who were more successful in college and university at 18 years old.
I have only completed my first assignment so far but have managed to write an essay! The first one in 18 years since my A levels. I managed to understand Harvard referencing and apply it correctly in my piece of work. Whilst the prospect of study is scary at 36 years old, you are provided with a tutor and learning support assistant (if required) who are there to support you all the way through your studies.
I enjoy working at my primary school as I attended school here as a child. It is great to see how far I have come. My own children now attend the school as well so things really have come full circle. I love being so involved in their school day and my working hours and days fit perfectly around their school schedule. At the same time, by working here and studying, I am really doing something for myself. As a single Mum to 2 SEN children, I don’t get a lot of time for myself. My job is my one thing I have for myself that I am most proud of (other than my children of course!)
I have been fully supported by my tutor Rita, my SEN Learning Support tutor Neha and my Line Manager at work Kate. Meetings are scheduled regularly over Teams between all of us to discuss my progress and where I may need some extra support. As the meetings are online, they are very flexible and easy to attend, whether I am in work or at home with a poorly child. The Learning Support Team offer you an assessment to see which areas you struggle with in terms of learning and offer tools and support to target your weaker areas.
The most important skill I have learnt so far whilst studying for my course is that I am far more capable than I give myself credit for. I work in a school and see the SEN support offered to children and feel a little jealous that it wasn’t available to me growing up. I wasn’t even diagnosed until last year. Going back to studying with LMP has really opened my eyes to the fact that I am not useless, the support system was not available to me when I was at school, that would have allowed me to thrive and receive a better education and future.
Once I gain my qualification, I hope to be able to take on more responsibilities at work. I feel very capable of achieving more than I am currently and the course will support me to achieve this. When my children leave primary school, I hope to be able to progress my career in School Management, possibly as a School Business Manager or similar.
In my first assignment was asked to survey my colleagues to find out what they think of my current working abilities. I was very nervous, but all the feedback was very positive and has really boost my confidence. I think this allows me to be a better Office Manager in school. I am completing tasks without the need for reassurance from those around me, which is taking the burden off them somewhat. This process is really benefiting my school and allowing me to become a better employee.
Once I gain my qualification, I hope to be able to take on more responsibilities at work. I feel very capable of achieving more than I am currently and the course will support me to achieve this. When my children leave primary school, I hope to be able to progress my career in School Management, possibly as a School Business Manager or similar.”
Well done, Eleanor, and best of luck in your apprenticeship journey!
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