Apprenticeship case study with Learning and Development Manager at Creams, Neelam Summan

My name is Neelam, and I'm a Learning and Development Manager at Creams. I'm just coming up on my first anniversary at Creams.

I always had a natural passion for training people so I knocked on doors until I got a job in L&D and I straight away knew this is what I want to do.  I haven't got a foundational education in L&D so I thought an apprenticeship is the best opportunity to back up my experiences with more knowledge, improve my skills and achieve even more in my field.

My favourite part is learning about different theories and figuring out how I could apply them in my job. I love linking what I learnt in my apprenticeship training sessions with what is happening at work. I'm a lot more conscious when I'm delivering training sessions at Creams, thinking about the different theories I can use to back up what I'm saying and make the learning stick more. I think it's one thing about having passion but there is another important thing about actually saying things with conviction and I think I am able to do that through the apprenticeship.

It's all down to my manager Ali, who is so passionate about my development.

She is very motivating and inspiring, someone who always talks about L&D, inclusivity, and how to improve the skills of employees. She worked in HR for a long time and we have an amazing relationship. She is so supportive and she always points me in the right direction when I come to her with a question. She is very much an advocate of apprenticeships. I really appreciate her support and mentorship.

I've always had a passion for training and development but actually taking an apprenticeship highlighted how important it is to look after my mental health and be a role model for my professional and personal community.

I always thought these are important but since this is one of the questions in my apprenticeship journal, that I complete twice a month, I became more conscious about self-reflection.

I really appreciate the bond between my apprenticeship group members and my Learning consultant Angi - she inspires me with her passion and I appreciate our relationship where I can just send her a text if I need some help. 

I like the structure of my programme where I attend a group session every month, I have a one on one session with my Learning Consultant and my mentor Ali. Angi and I also meet up to discuss my progress. 

I really enjoyed being included in the Black history month events, and I appreciate being encouraged to think and talk about my culture.