Meet Adam Grainger, Reception Manager at Kent Sport, who is currently undertaking the Level 6 Chartered Manager (Degree) BSc (Hons) Apprenticeship.
Loretta Izod, Employee Apprenticeship Manager at Kent, asked Adam to talk about the experience of undertaking an Apprenticeship and how it supports his career and self development.
How did your career pathway bring you to the University of Kent, what is your position here and how long have you worked here?
I have worked at the University of Kent since 2009, starting at Woolf College then moving to Kent Sport in 2010. Before this I co-owned a local independent business which although successful, we decided to sale due to changes in the market and I decided to pursue a new career path.
How did you find out about this Apprenticeship?
After completing the Foundations of Management course, delivered by the Learning & Organisational Development team at the University of Kent, I had a surge of enthusiasm and wanted to further my learning. Ali Whelan (L&OD Adviser) suggested that I look at the current Apprenticeship options available at the University of Kent, something I had not previously explored.
Which Apprenticeship are you under taking and which training provider is supporting you?
I am undertaking the Chartered Manager (Degree) BSc (Hons), provided by the Centre for Higher Degree Apprenticeships, at the University of Kent (Business School).
Why have you decided to use an Apprenticeship to support yourself and career development?
I have a passion for learning and I’m always looking to improve my skills & knowledge, not only for self-development but to integrate back into my place of work.
Can you explain how your Apprenticeship works, e.g. what sort of training do you do? Who is your mentor?
My mentor is my current Line Manager, Sadie Appleby. At present I am completing two modules simultaneously over a 10 week termly period. Each week we watch lectures via Moodle then apply further research & reading to complete various tasks, discussions, test & assignments.
What aspects of an Apprenticeship first caught your attention?
The main factor was the chance to develop my learning and work towards the end goal of obtaining a degree, but also the course content being vast yet interesting is perfect for me in my current role.
How did you find the relevant information you needed to decide if an Apprenticeship was for you?
Firstly, I attended a briefing with the Apprenticeships team where they explained the course content and expectations. I then had direct contact with Loretta Izod and Emma Kelly who gave me further details, answered questions and gave me the information needed before submitting my application.
Adam’s summary so far:
So far so good, I’m enjoying the course content and I’m dedicating plenty of time to ensure my work is completed to a high standard.
I’m looking forward to ‘Summer School’ as this will give all applicants the time to interact/network face to face, which I feel is important as to not feel like you are in this alone.
Emma Kelly has been a great help to me pre & post start date, it has been nice to interact with someone who not only knows the ins and outs of the Apprenticeship Scheme, but is undertaking the same course as me.
If you would you like to know more about Apprenticeships and undertake one like Adam, please contact Loretta Izod, your Employee Apprenticeship Manager.
Ext 16568 or email – L.J.Izod@kent.ac.uk, or Click here to visit the Kent Apprenticeships web page
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