Assessment Day

So this time last week I was sitting through a:

• 60 minute Q&A on my Project Report
• 20 minute presentation on my learning journey
• 25 minute Q& on my presentation

Up until that morning I was quite relaxed about the process.  On the day … different story.  I practiced my presentation several times but was concerned it would either be death by PowerPoint or I would go over my time … or both.

The issue being it was a remote assessment.  C-19 has changed the way of learning and assessment. 

When I connected with my assessor we discussed how the morning would go and I had an opportunity to ask any questions.   She then advised (and not for the first time) that this was one of the most difficult assessment to complete.  Great!!!  I was relying on the texts from friends and family telling me “I had this”.  Luckily the assessor was lovely and really put me at ease.  She was nervous too as she had to record the session.

How did I do?

Well the first part seemed to go OK.  I felt I had answered everything and that I had mentioned things like safeguarding, health and safety considerations, preparation, delivery channels, group dynamics and evaluation methods.

The second part … I did run over by one slide … however the last slide was a meme of a child soaking up knowledge with the caption … bring on Level 5.

My only concern through the whole process was my terminology is related to manufacturing not education.

What’s next?

We have to wait up to ten working days for an email confirming the results – pass, merit or distinction, a further two weeks for any appeals and then TQUK can apply for my certificates which could take a further four weeks. 

And breathe …

It has been an opportunity to reflect.  I didn’t think I had the skills or confidence to be a training but here I am 18 months later co-writing a leadership programme, preparing to deliver Highfield accredited training and developing local material for our apprentices and my role as an Enterprise Advisor with a local comprehensive school.

I saw an article this morning on LinkedIn that said a guy aged 32 was changing career but realised he would be 36 before he was qualified, therefore didn’t.  The article suggested that he would still be 36 but without a qualification so why not do the best you can and take the opportunities as they come along.  I’m 44 next week and it did resonate a little.  I qualified in HR Management at 29, I qualified in Health & Safety at 38 and at 44 I’ll be qualifying in L&D.  Not looking back … always look forward.  The journeys have been tough with added pressure of raising a family, working full time, working through C-19 and some personal health issues … but here I am, happier in my working life than I’ve ever been, feeling respected by my peers and valued by my employer.  What more can a girl want.