How did you come to work in training?
I started out as a secretary and was introduced to computers. I wanted the computer to do what I needed to do, not what it dictated I could do and so I learnt what I needed to know. I became very frustrated with the manner in which companies expected a new hire to know how to use the software (there were plenty of varieties around then!) and the generic courses available and set about defining bespoke training programmes.
Describe your role.
I manage an NVQ assessment centre and am a qualified assessor and verifier enabling me to lead sessions for trainee assessors and verifiers as well as acting as an assessor/ verifier for the learning and development suite, business, administration, customer service and management NVQ’s.
What activities do you spend most of your time on?
Managing and developing the centre.
What are the best and worst aspects of your role?
Best: Fresh challenges.
Worst: allocating peripatetic assessors / verifiers.
What is your most over-used phrase?
At the end of the day
What is the best lesson you can pass on?
Face and embrace change – it is going to happen anyway!
What has been your worst training moment?
An IT training session with a candidate too scared to even touch the mouse!
What influences do you think have had the greatest impact on the training sector in recent years?
Computers, internet, e-learning.
Do you think that training professionals should have a greater say in planning national training policy?
Definitely
How do you see your work changing or developing in the next few years?
More support and training via e-methods with remote tutoring via chat rooms, less personal contact.
* Would you like to appear in our How Did I Get Here column? Send an email to the editor Claire Savage at editor@trainingzone.co.uk.
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