National Apprenticeship Week - Agnieszka, Whistl

Agnieszka’s first language is not English. She works at Whistl. She wanted to study Functional Skills English and maths. She has worked remotely throughout lockdown as visits to the site have been restricted for face-to-face teaching.

The course is very helpful for the development of my personality and skills. Each session makes me aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I have gained new experience at various positions in the company.

Additionally, the course helped me improve my confidence. I started to believe in myself more. I set a goal for myself more often, I am convinced that I am able to achieve it and I gradually strive for it.

Effective communication is one of the most important life skills that we can learn or develop through this course. I understood the importance of body language and the non-verbal aspects of communication, and where communication limitations come from, and learned to be assertive. Moreover, I improved my negotiation and teamwork skills. I learned to solve problems creatively to achieve mutual benefits. Participation in the online course will allow me to be acquainted with the available material in a convenient place and time. Additionally, knowledge can be verified by solving various tests and preparing exercises. I will use the acquired knowledge at work and further personal development In today's world; good interpersonal skills make you a valued team member.

I am able to keep positive about the course over lockdown. I am glad that despite such a difficult situation we have the possibility of individual development. Of course, a face-to-face course would be an added bonus, but I rate it very positively. I believe that lockdown and this difficult time will end soon. Then we will be able to take full advantage of the knowledge we now gained during the course. The biggest problem that the whole world is currently struggling with is Covid-19. The dangers of the spread of the coronavirus poses new challenges for all of us. My colleagues and I are critical workers. It is a very busy time now within the workplace and Covid-19 still has an impact on things. The apprenticeship additionally help me get through lockdown. I can focus not only on work and following the rules but also on developing my skills. I am happy with what has been done so far, have enjoyed it and am keen to keep building my skills.

I believe that the course is very well organized despite many difficulties. It provides me with a lot of theoretical and practical knowledge. The material is carefully prepared, it is very pleasant to read and understandable. The Tutors have incredible knowledge about Business Apprenticeships, which they provide in a very accessible and understandable way. Contact with educators is great, they always try to help. In addition, they provide carefully prepared materials that allow you to organize the knowledge acquired during the course. They perfectly adapt to the needs of the audience, appropriately modifying the thematic scope of the training.

Anthony her FS tutor said: “Agnieszka has completed all tasks promptly and to a very high standard. As well as full time working she is also home schooling her young child. Agnieszka has done so well that she will be studying at Level 2 in both subjects next. When I asked her if she needed a short break as so was so busy she declined and wanted to keep studying. Agnieszka is an excellent student and has worked throughout the difficulties despite the pressure of a full time essential worker and being a working mother”.