Meet the Team - Charlotte Goodwill Executive Team / Apprenticeship Scheme Manager
Tell us about your background and what led you to getting involved with Apprenticeships?
Where am I going to start! I struggled a lot during my school years, and I didn't do too well at college. I was one of those teenagers who just didn't know what they wanted to do when they were growing up.
I think that the turning point in my life was having my little girl in 2015, from there I decided to sign up for a 6-year Open University degree in Psychology with the goal of helping others within my future career. I started out in sales-related roles and later found my career with ITP in 2017. I've been with ITP for almost three years now, and I'm in my final year at the university.
When I was at school and college, I wasn't made aware of apprenticeships in general, let alone how many standards were available in almost every industry! I think had there have been more information around and promotion of apprenticeships when I was in school; things may have been vastly different for me, so this led me to getting involved with apprenticeships. This passion, combined with my enthusiasm and commitment to helping others start their careers in an exciting and ever-changing industry, makes what I do even more enjoyable.
What drives you?
I want to change people's lives and give them a chance to have a better future. It gives me pleasure to know I've had a positive impact on someone's life. Anything I can do to inspire someone else, whether small or large, I believe can make the world a little better! I'm lucky enough to be able to do this every single day in my ITP role. That is really what drives me the most, my own success!
Why are you passionate about apprenticeships and education?
The value of apprenticeships is endless. Apprentices are energetic , enthusiastic, loyal, and eager to learn and grow. Every day for an apprentice is different, not only are they working towards a qualification and learning skills related to their job role, but they also learn valuable life skills such as discipline, time management, organisation and different ways of working with others. These are real life experiences that otherwise would not be available via the more traditional route of University.
How does the ITP scheme work and what makes it different?
You can rely on us! We have been representing professionals in our industry for over 100 years and have been running our own Apprenticeship Scheme since 2013. Since we started, we have placed over 150 apprentices across the industry!
We are the link between employers and apprentices. Over many years of experience, we have developed a scheme that benefits both employers and apprentices because we offer a complete service with real flexibility. We take care of everything from recruitment through to training and mentoring.
Our scheme offers:
· Recruitment, working in partnership with employers
· Tailored digital training content
· Help and advice on accessing funding
· Assistance and guidance with administrative tasks
· Additional qualifications of ICTTech and RITTech
· Access to expert mentors
· Full ITP membership for our apprentices and their managers, which includes access toseminars with industry experts, quarterly technical magazines, behind-the-scenes visits to iconic technology locations and online training resources
· General management of the apprenticeship scheme for the client from start to finish
· Ongoing support to both the apprentice and employer throughout the whole apprenticeship
How has the COVID- 19 pandemic affected the way you work?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, most of what was involved in my day-to-day job role was face-to - face, whether it was client meetings, progress reviews or our recruitment days. We are fortunate that we have been able to work through the pandemic by offering all of our services virtually, which has so far proved to be a huge success!
What is your role within the organisation?
I manage ITP’s digital apprenticeship scheme. My focus is to grow the Level 3 & 4 standards across businesses and to encourage companies to grow their IT, technical and engineering teams via apprenticeships.
What challenges do you face?
Sometimes it feels like there's just not enough time in the day to get everything done, but I love it! The real challenge for me is to juggle being a mum, working full-time and my university commitments - but that's what life is all about, waking up in the morning and challenging yourself to be better.
What advice would you give to employers considering taking on an apprentice?
Do it now!
It is going to be one of the best decisions you ever make. You will be helping us address the digital skills gap by increasing the number of opportunities available!
And… whatever you need along the way, we will be there to help!