Tips from our Personal Tutors for new and prospective learners

Guest blog written by one of our Residential Childcare Personal Tutors, Julie Parham

Embarking on a new learning journey can be both exciting and daunting. To help you navigate this path successfully, our personal tutors have shared their top tips for new and prospective learners. These insights are designed to ensure you get the most out of your educational experience and achieve your goals.

Choose the right qualification

The first step to success is ensuring that you are the right fit for the qualification and job role. A thorough quality check is essential to confirm that you meet the necessary requirements. This alignment will set a strong foundation for your learning journey.

Set clear expectations early

From the very first contact, it’s crucial to set clear expectations with both your tutor and manager. During the enrolment process, discuss what is expected from you and what you can expect from them. This mutual understanding is vital for a commitment that spans the duration of the course.

Understand the course aims and EPA

Take the time to thoroughly understand the course aims, syllabus and the End-Point Assessment (EPA). This ensures there are no surprises along the way and helps prevent you from falling behind. Knowing the full scope of the course from the outset allows for better preparation and planning.

Build strong relationships

Establishing a strong relationship with both your tutor and manager from the initial communication is important. Support from the beginning helps build trust and ensures that you know you have a reliable point of contact. Maintaining this relationship with regular monthly updates for your manager keeps everyone aligned and informed.

Set SMART targets

Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) targets on a monthly basis is crucial for keeping you on track. Emphasising the importance of progress and maintaining regular contact between visits shows your commitment to the course and helps address any issues promptly. Remember, your tutor is not just there for the monthly meeting but for everything in-between.

Embrace the course passionately

Our tutors are passionate about the courses they teach. They are experts in their field and continually highlight how far this course can take you in your professional development journey. This passion is conveyed at every opportunity, inspiring you to strive for excellence. Take inspiration from those around you, who support you to succeed and display the same passion in your career path.

Stay positive and plan ahead

Maintaining a positive mindset and careful planning are essential for a successful learning journey, every small step you take is progress towards your goal. Don’t hesitate to ask for support; tutors, peers, and support staff are there to help you. The focus is not only on obtaining a qualification but also on achieving a high grade, with an emphasis on aiming for distinction and providing you with the knowledge and skills to grow in your career. Remember, learning is a journey. Stay positive, plan ahead, and use the support available to you. This approach will help you succeed in your course and equip you with valuable skills for the future.

By following these tips, you can set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling learning journey and apprenticeship experience. Remember, our personal tutors are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have the guidance and resources needed to excel.