Hear from a learner on a course developed by Create the Space for the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR).
NTAR originally approached Create the Space for a contextualised course for the rail industry. We created tailored Management and Leadership apprenticeship programmes at levels 3 and 5, with real world insights and specific industry knowledge. The programmes run for up to two years, and are structured as a series of two-day workshops with workplace assignments before and after.
One of our Level 5 Strategic Planning module attendees, Natasha, was kind enough to let us interview her about her experience so far.
Natasha’s Background
Natasha has been in her role as a Business Support Specialist with Network Rail for two years. From a supply chain and product management background originally, she progressed into a more technical role, and is now a technical lead for the supply chain materials team at Network Rail. Her day-to-day work is varied, involving supply chain and stakeholder management, relationship building, and lots of technical knowledge.
What were your motivations for enrolling on the course?
“As a young person within the rail industry, I wanted to build on my strengths within management and leadership. I also wanted to learn practical skills, like building strategic plans. It’s really important to me that I give back to Network Rail too, I wanted to be able to bring new skills back so that the company would benefit from its investment in me.”
What do you feel you’ve gotten out of the course so far?
“I feel like I have more knowledge and skills in areas related to my job, not just my core role, which will make me a more valuable employee. I can’t believe how much we’ve covered in just two days! I was able to put my learning into practice straight away- I’ve already used the skills I’ve gained to put together a strategy. The tutors have done a really great job making it relevant for our industry.”
What’s been your favourite part of the course so far, or the most valuable?
“I’d have to say learning from the experience of the other attendees, and the trainers. Everyone is sharing stories about how they’ve applied the course so far, and it’s really useful to hear how others are working.
Most of the other learners are already in line-manager positions, and as this is something I want to progress towards I feel like I’ve learnt a lot about this already, and will be more able to move into this kind of role.
It’s also been fantastic for personal development, and will help me stand out among my colleagues.”
What are you looking forward to in the remainder of the course?
“Part of the course will be a work-based project, and the material so far has been leading up to that. I love the way this is structured, and I’m excited to work on the assignment and use the knowledge I’ve gained in a practical setting.”
Is there anything else you’d like to give a special mention to?
“Some aspects of the course which I didn’t expect have been incredibly useful, especially the supporting materials, which have helped me learn even more. The networking potential of the course, and learning from peers facing similar issues, has also helped me gain a lot of value to take back to my team.”
To learn more about the work we’ve done for NTAR, read our case study.
