Kirsty Dingley, Strategic Events and Stakeholder Engagement Officer at City College Plymouth, has worked at the College for more than six years in a couple of administrative roles.
With the College keen to support staff to upskill and develop their careers, Kirsty is one of a number of staff members both growing and formalising her knowledge through an Apprenticeship.
Kirsty explained: “I’ve been working in administration for quite a few years, but I’ve never had the opportunity to consolidate the skills I’ve learnt with a formal qualification.
“I didn’t do A Levels or a technical qualification after leaving school, so my highest level of qualification was my GCSEs. Whilst I’ve been lucky to find a good career, I always felt disappointed in myself to not have something else to add to my CV, especially when I push the importance of these qualifications on my sons.
“The College offered me the opportunity to complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration and it has given me a great insight into how I carry out certain tasks. Whilst I have no intention of leaving the College, I’m pleased to get the chance to gain this qualification as it gives me more options in the future for further study and to continue my professional development to university-level should I choose.
“I feel valued as a member of staff. The College is investing in me and my future, and giving me the opportunity to gain new skills. Part of any Apprenticeship is “off-the-job” training, and this involves gaining experience in roles that aren’t directly related to my current job, but will be useful in the future should my role change or I progress in my career.
“Once I’ve completed the level 3, I’m considering progressing to the Level 4 Apprenticeship in Business Administration, which will take a more academic approach to its off-the-job training and will support someone in a management role. Having left school with only GCSEs it’s great having the opportunity to finally gain these qualifications without having to sacrifice any of my salary.”
