Stuart Meredith's Traineeship Takeover
Stuart Meredith, Employability Tutor at The Learning Foundry, has worked with us for six months now and was motivated to join us because of our fresh approach to learning and teaching. Stu comes with a lot of experience in education, but nothing, in his experience, has ever come close to our current situation. One thing has remained consistent though, his passion for education and teaching. Here’s our Stu’s take on working from home during lockdown and engaging with you, our trainees!
Anyone who knows me knows I like to keep the traineeship programme exciting, fun and enjoyable, and not just for the trainees but also for myself! When we were thrown into lockdown it became more important than ever to ensure this was the case.
When we started working from home and The Learning Foundry shut its doors on a temporary basis, our trainees were due to start going out on placement. As you can imagine, we were answering questions from disheartened learners wanting to know what will happen next.
We contacted every learner to speak to them, to give them the reassurance that we would not simply forget about them but would continue to work with them and attempt to keep them on track towards their goal – an apprenticeship or employment!
In the background, we worked to put together resources which would recap on previously taught lessons, but would also be useful in their future, such as research tasks on British values and keeping their creative mind in tune by creating a poem or a song about being in lockdown!
In between ensuring that our trainees were kept busy with work, we wanted to be sure their mental health and wellbeing was prioritised, so we introduced ‘welfare checks’. This catch-up wasn’t to talk about a student’s work, but to check in on them personally to see how they were getting on. Engagement has remained high and great work is coming through from the trainees.
Its great hearing what the learners have been up to outside of their studies and good to see that they are achieving the right balance. This varies from watching far too much Disney+, to chilling out listening to music, or exercising. Whatever they do, I remind them that it is important to set time aside for yourself around study time.
Our very own trainee Vicky B created a fantastic video providing advice on learning from home, which has received a great response from the team and on social media! Isha also won the TLF poetry competition! If you haven’t seen Vicky’s video or Isha’s poem, then please go and visit The Learning Foundry social media pages (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) and give them a like and a share!
From my own perspective, I told myself routine was key to surviving this unusual working situation. I set up my office space in the kitchen and made sure I walked the dogs before work began and throughout the day. I’ve also made sure I’m not binge eating chocolate, but eating healthily, and starting to exercise – this is working for me and I feel great!
Everyone is different and what works for one doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for another, but if you are struggling to find a routine for you then speak to others, see how they are coping in this bizarre time – even our Quality and Performance Manager, Natalie, has taken to starting a new hobby of roller blading – there is photographic evidence if needed and she does seem to be performing to a high standard!
For now, take care, wash your hands and look after each other! Feel free to give me a call if you want to talk! #itsoknottobeok
Thanks for reading,
Stu
Employability Tutor at The Learning Foundry
Remember, if you are struggling at home, we have a dedicated team who can help. Get in touch with our Safeguarding Leads or Mental Health First Aiders. Contact details and information can be found at the bottom of our Safeguarding and Wellbeing blog.
If you would like to feature in the next edition of 'The Learner Latest', please email ryan.hickey@regenda.org.uk.