"TLF has opened so many doors for me" - Georgia's story
Want to know more about what The Learning Foundry can do for you? There's no better way than to hear from someone who's been there! Georgia took part in a traineeship with TLF recently and says "it's opened so many doors for me". Here she tells us about her time with TLF and the opportunities she's been able to access:
Hi Georgia, can you give us a summary of your time with The Learning Foundry?
I was on the Youthquake course which is an 18-week programme broken down into 10 weeks of classroom learning and about 8 weeks of placement. During the first 10 weeks, I was part of a team that worked on creating a business idea to help reduce violence across Merseyside. In order to build on the business idea, we had guest speakers come in and we worked with different people for our marketing and finance.
The business idea we developed was called IGNITE U which is a pilot programme where mentors go into local community centres and run 8-week programmes with young people to help build confidence, make new friends and develop employability skills. We presented at The Good Business Festival on the 23rd of March 2022.
While on Youthquake I set up my own business called Serene7healing. I offer holistic therapies such as reiki, ear candling and Swedish body massage along with other treatments. I wanted to learn more about marketing for social media and growing my business.
You recently completed your work experience at The Regenda Group. What did you get up to there?
During my placement with The Regenda Group I was working with their marketing, finance, people's services, ICT, facilities and health and safety teams. I got to see the roles of different teams across the business and what it takes to run a business. I was able to visit a working construction site and attend a LEAD programme session, which helps to develop Regenda’s internal staff, Regenda’s personal development programme.
How has your placement helped you to plan for your business?
I have more of an idea now on how to market my business on social media and attract customers. I have built on skills to communicate better with people and reach out to the right people for support moving forward.
What skills have you been able to develop?
I have developed my confidence a lot during the 18 weeks. I’ve always been quite introverted and shy and was nervous about presenting at The Good Business Festival, but I did it! This was a huge achievement for me as at the beginning it was something I was dreading having to do. I am more tech aware with a new understanding of the different websites that are out there for marketing purposes and how search engines work. This is going to help me a lot when it comes to my business and having a website as I know how to make things relevant to the customers and target audience.
What’s next for Serene7healing?
I am enrolling on new courses to offer more of a variety of treatments, so I have a few lined up for the next couple of months. I am in the process of looking at going into companies and business offices to do corporate events to offer my treatments during the workday for staff as well.
I’ve already had the amazing opportunity of working with young people in the community and I’ve got events lined up for the next few weeks. This is definitely something I’m looking forward to doing more of in the future. I enjoy helping people, especially younger people, to find alternative ways to manage their mental health.
I would love to be able to start teaching my own courses to help other people start their own business in the future or even to help grow and develop themselves and their skills, so this is what I am looking at for the next 12 months.
What have you enjoyed the most about learning at The Learning Foundry?
I have enjoyed being around like-minded people. We were all there to better ourselves and grow as individuals. Everyone was so supportive and continues to support each other even now.
I liked listening to the guest speakers come in and tell us about their life and story - they were all inspiring and powerful.
The tutors and the support we have received has been unbelievable. Lindsey, who was my tutor, was encouraging and understanding; everyone on youthquake has so much respect for her. Lindsey’s support was invaluable to me.
It really has opened so many doors for me and my business.
You can find out more about Georgia’s business on social media:
Instagram: @serene7healing
Facebook: Serene7healing
To find out how The Learning Foundry can open doors for you call 0300 123 8088 or email info@thelearningfoundry.co.uk