Sophie is studying for a Level 4 qualification in Retail Management.
Hear what she had to say about her time with NTA so far, and how Vanessa, our Apprenticeship Delivery Manager (South), has helped her.
I've really been enjoying my experience studying on the 'Retail Manager Level 4' qualification. After an initial delay in starting (not NTA's fault) I was so pleased to start but also nervous as I hadn't studied formally for quite a while. I met Vanessa and knew I'd be in safe hands! She's open, encouraging, professional and down to earth. She's great at guiding and stretching thinking- I feel I've learnt so much about myself as well as the main body of course work.
It's been a really interesting and confidence boosting course, although a lot more work than I expected which I found hard to balance whilst working full time. During the pandemic I have been furloughed the entire time and struggled with maintaining motivation to keep up with course work, which at times I've found overwhelming. Vanessa has been flexible and always checks on wellbeing without putting any pressure on me. Even little things like posting me documents I needed (as I don't have a computer or printer!) which I really appreciate. Coming towards the end of the course I have not only been thinking about where I can progress to next, but actually putting plans and steps in place to develop my career further, something I'd always thought about but had never actively done anything about.
I feel more focused and less like I'm 'coasting' through my career. Sophie