It's all lead to her securing the opportunity to manage the office for the Meon Way Federation and support Executive Headteacher Mrs S. Paine.
It’s in this role where Caroline decided she wanted to complete her School Business Manager Apprenticeship, to reaffirm and solidify her skills and knowledge, as well as fuel her desire to always be learning.
We spoke to her to find out more about how she’s enjoying this incredible opportunity:
Could you just briefly sum up your journey to joining the trust?
I started working in schools around 24/25 years ago as a learning support assistant and then become a cover supervisor. While a supervisor, I became a receptionist helping out when needed and then became a data manager. When I saw the office manager vacancy for Meon Way Federation, I threw in my application just to see and I got the job.
Can you tell us a bit more about your reasons for doing the apprenticeship at this stage of your career?
Having spent so long in education, it’s nice to have that certificate behind everything I’ve done so if there were opportunities, I’ve got the certificate to say I can do the role. It also solidifies everything I know and what I’ve done. I’m gaining knowledge as well, so I can be more informed and help the trust as well as the executive head to support her more. I love learning new things and I’m an inquisitive person, it gives you a boost.
Pick out one or two highlights of your apprenticeship so far:
One has been the Nolan principles which I really enjoyed learning about, but I realised I do it all already, so there’s a great case study. The other is I’ve never had to sit and write an assignment before, it was quite nerve wracking to think I’ve got to write all of these, but it was nice to find out I still could do it.
To anyone considering an apprenticeship soon, what would your advice be?
To those who are considering it, do. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. You’ve got that knowledge, certificate and professional development to gain. Jobs change, environments change, the world around us is changing, and you have to develop and change with it. Doing an apprenticeship helps with all that, and brings new ideas and knowledge you can put in.
Just to finish, how have the Thinking Schools Academy Trust supported you in completing your apprenticeship?
My executive head has been an amazing support. The minute I thought about it, I realised I could do it. All I needed was the trust to support me in the hours and give me advice and support. She’s done all that for me and encouraged me all the way.