A conversation with…….Dawn King, Residential Childcare Personal Tutor
We deliver an outstanding teaching and learning experience to every learner, every time and we could not do this without our handpicked, values-driven and passionate colleagues. To highlight the dedicated and driven colleagues we have here at Paragon Skills, I have had a conversation with Dawn King, one of our experienced, energised and exceptional Personal Tutors who specialises in Adult Care and Residential Childcare to talk about what it means to be a Personal Tutor here, and why you should consider joining our award-winning teams!
Getting to know Dawn King
Dawn is a specialist in Adult Care and Residential Childcare, with experience and qualifications up to Level 5, and currently supports a diverse caseload of learners as a Personal Tutor. Having had a substantial 20-year career in the Adult Care and Residential Childcare sector, Dawn made the decision to professionally develop and learn a new skill and move across to the education sector and share her knowledge and passion with the sector specialists of the future. Having gained experience with another training provider as an Assessor, she has just celebrated her two-year anniversary with Paragon Skills.
Why did you choose to become a Personal Tutor?
“As everyone should have the opportunity to learn new skills and gain new experiences regardless of their background or past experience. Every person deserves this, and I love to see them flying and succeeding because of the support and qualifications they have gained from us. I had heard lots of positive things about Paragon Skills, so I feel like me being here was meant to be”
We are proud of our Pledge and 5 Es, what do these mean to you?
“Our Pledge demonstrates that we are ahead of the game and able to deliver an outstanding teaching and learning experience every time as we have so many experienced and knowledgeable colleagues to support our learners. We are also all really passionate, friendly and warm so every interaction is a positive one. I am also proud to be Paragon and feel part of something, the weekly Sparks sessions and communication at all levels help with the morale boosting and team spirts. If I had to choose which of the 5 Es I relate to most it would be Energy and Experience as I have so much experience in my field and I am passionate about making an impact and inspiring success in the Care sector.”
Talk me through your role as a Personal Tutor
“I work closely with learners and employers on their chosen qualification, from initial induction onto their learner journey through to their End-Point Assessment (EPA). I deliver 1:1 or group sessions with the learners, using my experience in Care to deliver impactful teaching and learning and support to help them progress, I also build and nurture strong relationships with their employers to assist with the engagement and progression of their learners through their current qualification or for progression onto higher levels.”
What do you enjoy most about your role?
“I love helping people, seeing them progress and grow in a career they love; nothing is better than meeting someone on their initial induction, supporting them through their journey and seeing their confidence grow, then getting them to have achieved a distinction, especially when I have learners go from their level 2 qualification up to their level 5. I feel that in this role I really help people change their lives, my proudest moment as a Personal Tutor was helping a learner who had a previous conviction and addiction issues turn his life around and begin a homeless initiative to help others who faced a difficult time. I was really proud to have worked with him and played a part in his journey.”
If there is one thing you could change, what would it be?
“Being able to see what happens after their apprenticeship has ended and see the impact they are having in their organisation since completing their qualification with us. Also seeing how they are continuing to use the knowledge, skills and behaviour they have learned during their journey to make a difference to the setting they are in.”
Why should others consider joining Paragon Skills?
“People should join us because we are at the top of our game, the evidence is there with the multiple awards that we win, annually. We have great systems in place, such as Bud, and we have innovative ideas and investment in our colleagues and business. We are lucky to have a very passionate Senior Leadership Team and Executive team who drive us to be the best we can be.”