The Beginning

In September 2021, Mitch Brown embarked on a transformative journey with Locomotivation. Eager to elevate his career and broaden his management skills, Mitch committed to an 18-month Team Leader or Supervisor Level 3 apprenticeship with Locomotivation.

The course was more than just about professional development for Mitch; it was about proving to himself and to his company, Away Resorts, that he was equipped to shoulder greater responsibilities and succeed.

The Motivation

When asked about his decision to undertake this apprenticeship, Mitch enthusiastically shared, "It was a great opportunity within my company to achieve this as part of my management and to grow from it for future success within the company."

Challenges & Triumphs

Like many success stories, Mitch's journey was not without its challenges. Balancing work, the demands of the apprenticeship, and personal downtime took its toll on his mental health. He admitted, "My experience of this Apprenticeship was far from easy." There were moments he even considered quitting.

"No matter how far behind I was I could always catch up if I believed in myself!"

However, with unwavering support from his Training Specialist, HR Manager, and some crucial time-management adjustments, Mitch overcame these challenges. The opportunity to work in a quieter park was a turning point for him, offering the environment he needed to focus on the crucial aspects of his course. Mitch also credits his Training Specialist, Jo Green, for teaching him that "no matter how far behind I was I could always catch up if I believed in myself".

A Manager's Perspective

Mitch's dedication and persistence didn't go unnoticed. His manager remarked, "Mitch has certainly put his heart and soul into his apprenticeship, facing ups and downs in both his work and personal life. To see him finish with a distinction was no mean feat. With hard work, dedication, and support, you can achieve anything."

Learning and Applying

The apprenticeship presented Mitch with a treasure trove of management insights, some familiar and others more intricate. He remarked, "During the course, I learned many new aspects and methods of management." This newfound knowledge allowed Mitch to refine his management style, enhance conflict resolution, aid in team development, and set clearer goals. Time management, in particular, stood out as a pivotal skill Mitch honed. He also transitioned from an autocratic to a diplomatic management style, emphasising the value of listening and considering his team's input.

One of the key projects Mitch undertook was the organisation of a golfer's event. This required him to handle everything from menu creation to budgeting and coordination – a task that demonstrated his ability to integrate and apply his apprenticeship learnings. His growth didn't stop post-apprenticeship. Mitch has now been promoted to Chip Shop Manager and is enthusiastic about employing all the skills he acquired during his apprenticeship.

Advice & Reflections

For those considering a similar apprenticeship, Mitch's advice is clear: "You have to be mentally prepared." He stresses the importance of leveraging available resources and maintaining open communication with mentors and leadership teams.

Post-apprenticeship, Mitch feels a distinct transformation in his managerial persona. His aspirations now reach higher, possibly eyeing roles that could influence multiple venues or support roles for newcomers.

On continued growth, Mitch shared, "I plan to build on what I have learned from the apprenticeship and first master what I have learned before developing myself even higher." He believes in the philosophy of mastering the basics before aiming for loftier goals.

The Locomotivation Experience

Looking back, Mitch summarises his experience with Locomotivation as invaluable. While the journey was more challenging than anticipated, the plethora of tools, mentor support, and enriching workshops made it worth the effort. Mitch confidently states, "I would 100% recommend the apprenticeships through Locomotivation based on the support alone."

A Final Thought

Mitch concludes by highlighting the primary benefits of his apprenticeship journey, "It allowed me to build my knowledge, experience, and my confidence whilst growing into my role." His lesson for others? "Never give up. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength."

Join Locomotivation today, and like Mitch, let's transform your professional journey.