Karen joined Heart of England Training last October delivering School & Business Apprenticeships, and is going to be starting Early Years Level 2. Before becoming an educator, Karen was a teaching assistant for eight years.
Karen discovered Heart of England Training while looking for a career change. she was suggested for the position by former educator Donna Kingsley-Walsh, which peaked her interest.
“I wanted something a bit more challenging. My two children have grown up, and whereas before it was perfect. It sufficed for the time but I needed a bit more to challenge myself so I came into this role’.
Karen has felt that everyone at Heart of England have been very helpful. She also wanted to give a shout-out to Ben Jones, who was her line manager when she originally started.
“He’s awesome. He’s just amazing. He’s just made me settle in really, nothing was ever a problem. I used to ring him probably for the most ridiculous things daily, and he never made me once feel that I was asking something horrendous or silly.”
Her favourite part of working for Heart of England Training is seeing her learners achieve.
“Once they start doing the work and see they’re getting through it, it’s lovely seeing them do a good job…they’re engaged and get involved” Karen added that she also enjoyed building a relationship with them and seeing them start to have faith in themselves.
When asked to describe in one word, Karen’s choice was “Trustworthy”.
Outside of work, Karen loves taking out Marnie, her 2-year old yellow Labrador, out for a walk. She also enjoys cooking with her son, creating lots of dishes at home in the evening.
Karen’s top piece of advice for someone starting an apprenticeship is: “Be really committed, and set time aside to do it…enjoy the learning experience”. She added “take on board what you’re learning and pat yourself on the back because you’ve done something. Be proud that you’re getting there”
