Support for Learning at Work Week campaign at Pembrokeshire County Council

The week (15th-21st May 2023) is an annual, national campaign organised by Campaign for Learning, which aims to promote the development of learning cultures in the workplace and highlight the significant advantages of continual learning and growth.

This year's theme, Create the Future, explores how lifelong learning at work can help us all personally and collectively create our futures – from achieving life and work goals, to shaping our lives, communities and the world, to driving innovation and achieving organisational ambitions.

The Authority embraced this way of working and is highlighted by employee Transformation Officer Erin Smith who joined the Council in 2016 in an administrative position and has worked her way up into her current role.

As well as learning new IT skills through The Open University apprenticeship, Erin is also putting those skills into practice on a daily basis, using them to inform her work.

She and her colleagues are focusing on data management across the Council, a key transformation project, and Erin’s apprenticeship learning is feeding directly into that project work.

While Erin still has another year of studying to complete, she says she is already reaping the benefits.

Erin said: “I like to keep moving and progress. Without this degree I could have got stuck, but it is opening doors for me. I’m learning new skills and growing in the company. I’m so glad I took the opportunity.”

For more information email the Learning and Development team or find out how Campaign for Learning could help you on your next steps.

Other examples within the Council include -

Josh Thomas – Paralegal Apprenticeship

“I had been working in my current role within the legal department for a few years before the apprenticeship opportunity came up as the course is relatively new. I feel truly grateful to PCC for allowing me to pursue this which has not only given me the practical experience to enhance my current work, but with the incredible support I have received from my colleagues, the course will hopefully also help me with my future career and ambitions.”

Harvey Griffiths – Apprentice in Social Care

“My experience as an apprentice with PCC has been amazing, I’ve got to experience different settings, different people, and different ways of life. The experience is outstanding and I’m really enjoying it. The help from my work mentor, bosses and colleagues is great. They’re all so kind, helpful and understanding. This was the best option for me and will hopefully give me a bright future ahead.”

Becky Jackman – Apprentice in Accounting

“I’m extremely grateful to the Council for giving me this amazing opportunity as a Trainee Accounting Technician. Learning something new can always be a challenge but I believe that being in the relevant job when studying helps, as you can relate your daily tasks in your job to the content you are learning.”

Max James – Studying a Higher Apprenticeship

“The higher apprenticeship has enabled me to attain a wealth of knowledge and implement the content learnt at University to the real world. I’ve been fortunate to learn from experienced professionals in all construction related disciplines within the authority. My career ambition is to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.”