I am the Production Supervisor responsible for overall output, performance and scrap of an assembly line. I oversee around 50 employees. I made the decision to undertake an apprenticeship when dealing with different people -as part of my role dealing with the people side of things takes up around 70% of my time.

Within my structure,e I have 4 Team Leaders and 4 Lead ops. Part of my decision was to put myself in a position to be able to get the best out of my team. Level 5 coaching gives you the foundation to be able to build these types of relationships and build a strong team around you.

I feel I am fully supported by both Magna and my training provider. If anything, my training provider has been more than supportive by re-arranging visits when I need to and also allowing me some rest time when things are difficult. Magna and my team have always been supportive of this. I am given time off the job when its available to do and conduct my tasks and assessments. Occasionally I take some work home with me but that’s just the nature of my role.

The biggest thing I have learnt is to put the belief in my Team Leaders and let them make answers for themselves. Coaching someone isn’t about doing it for them or giving them the answers, it’s about bringing their thoughts to the front and allowing them to come up with their ideas and solutions.

I am halfway through my course now and the benefits I can see for my future is how to interact with people on higher levels and decision-making. One of the things that we are taught is around unconscious bias (something that we aren’t aware of, but we do) and moving forward this is something I will be aware of. I have learnt that everything is achievable when you put your mind to it.

Additionally, by doing this course, I have understood further how much

I am currently undertaking a Level 5 Coaching apprenticeship, which has been an invaluable opportunity to develop my coaching skills and enhance my ability to support my team. This course has helped me understand the principles of effective coaching, enabling me to guide team members toward finding their solutions rather than simply offering advice. The apprenticeship was mandatory for senior team members, and I am grateful to my company, Magna, for enrolling me, as it has proven to be one of the best steps in my professional development.

Balancing work and learning during my apprenticeship has been challenging, as I complete my assignments and coursework during evenings and weekends rather than using the allocated six-hour allowance. Despite this, I feel motivated to stay on track and meet deadlines, which has reinforced my determination and organisational skills.

Magna and the training provider have provided excellent support throughout this journey, giving me the resources and guidance I need to succeed. Through this apprenticeship, I’ve gained valuable skills, such as how to lead and coach effectively, foster team development, and use emotional intelligence to better understand and communicate with others.

These skills align perfectly with my long-term career goals, as I aim to transition from my senior role to a managerial position where coaching is essential.

One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about myself during this process is my communication style and the balance between my strengths and areas for improvement. This deeper self-awareness has increased my confidence and ability to engage with my team.

I would highly recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering it, as it provides immense benefits for both personal development and career growth. For those starting an apprenticeship, my advice would be to remain patient, work hard, and fully immerse yourself in the learning experience. By practising the theories and methods introduced in the course, you can maximise the value of your apprenticeship and apply the skills effectively in your workplace.

I am currently enrolled on a Level 5 coaching and mentoring course. In my role as Quality Manager, I am responsible for the overall quality of the product, audit compliance, customer management, supplier base quality, dimensional improvement, change & development of Quality staff.

I decided to pursue an apprenticeship as this was given as a development opportunity
when in my previous role. Balancing learning and workload during the apprenticeship is something that is difficult with my workload and responsibilities, but I know will be worth it longer term.

My course is still underway but all feedback I have received so far has been positive regarding how well I coach and mentor within my current style. I am hoping that there are some takeaways to improve later in the course and upon completion but it covers a lot of support in understanding for someone within a leadership role.

In line with my longer-term career goals, I am hoping the course helps me develop and motivate my team more effectively.

In doing this course, I feel more confident than before when holding coaching/mentoring sessions now I have had the positive feedback from the training provider.

I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone considering it, at any level. My advice would be to ensure that the time is available so that you can dedicate the appropriate focus and attention to the material.