Daniel Thackray
Operational Department Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship, Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship
2019 - 2020
Assistant Manager in Retirement Home
Enrolling and completing the Operational Department Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship has significantly developed my leadership and management skills. I now feel confident using the tools and skills that I have learnt to benefit the day-to-day running within my organisation. Theories and models that I have been taught are now common practice in my skillset as a manager, which subsequently mean I can better support all my staff and the future of my organisation.
Since finishing his Level 3 Apprenticeship at Lancaster & Morecambe College in 2020, Daniel has chosen to undertake the Operational Department Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship in his workplace where he is an Assistant Manager in a Retirement Home. Having completed this 3 year Apprenticeship and achieving a distinction, Daniel explained,
Enrolling and completing this course has significantly developed my leadership and management skills. I now feel confident using the tools and skills that I have learnt to benefit the day-to-day running of my organisation. Theories and models that I have been taught are now common practice in my skillset as a manager, which subsequently means I can better support all my staff and the future of my organisation.
Previously in 2019, Daniel decided to enrol onto the Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship as he knew this would provide him with the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours to progress in his career. Daniel was already in full time employment so taking on an Apprenticeship allowed him to fit his learning around existing work commitments.
When asked why he chose Lancaster & Morecambe College (LMC) for his studies, Daniel explained:
I chose to study at LMC because the College was local to me and I'd heard how supportive the tutors were. I was confident that by choosing LMC I would be able to access support and assistance if I needed it.
Daniel particularly enjoyed the flexibility that his course provided as he was able to tailor his studies towards his current role, as well as future career goals:
I liked that I was able to pick optional units that were specific to my job role and further progression. I chose an optional unit related to management, which is what I’m aiming towards in my career, so this was really helpful.
Daniel felt confident throughout both of his Apprenticeships that he was given the tools he needed to succeed in the Health & Social Care industry:
My tutor had previous experience in Adult Social Care and this gave me the reassurance that they could answer any questions I had in areas where my skillset lacked. My tutor taught me so many key skills for my role including communication, confidence and competence.
When asked what advice he would give to someone considering an Apprenticeship in Adult Social Care or progressing to Management, Daniel said:
Think where you want to be in “x” many years and then you can tailor your Apprenticeship to not only support your current role, but also to prepare you for later challenges and opportunities in your career. It’s a fantastic opportunity, go for it!
YOUR TUTOR(S)
I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience of animals with students and seeing a learners journey as they make progress. The best part of teaching the course would definitely be the experience we offer learners, it's a unique and hands on way of developing their knowledge of working with animals.
Try to achieve the best grades you can. As a qualified Carpenter or Joiner, you will have the opportunity to work anywhere in the world.
Industry specific apprenticeships are a great way to learn new skills and knowledge, achieve a recognised qualification and earn a wage. Customer service is the corner stone of every successful business, and courses at LMC will help you identify, improve and introduce these skills successfully.
My favourite aspect of my role is seeing learners who struggle to believe in themselves when they first begin their journey at LMC, but eventually realise that they are very capable. It is a lightbulb moment when they realise they can be or do anything they want to. Learners walk through our gates unsure of themselves and sometimes struggle to believe in their abilities, but by the end of their journey they walk out of LMC confident and ready to take on the world.
Welding particularly is like lego for adults – its great fun making things. Whereas Engineering will teach you why things are made the way they are and a combination of both will give you the skills to make almost anything you can think of! Why not give it a go!
Be prepared to work hard and be challenged. The more you put in, the more you will get out of the course. It's a rewarding experience as you can clearly see your skills develop. There is also a great demand for skilled plasterers and the potential for good earnings, so why not give it a go?
ALUMNI
Bobby Bleasdale
Leona Curwen
Danny Stackhouse
Chloe Emslie
Daniel Thackray
