Get The Nation Learning Week: Q&A with Clare Williams

I have worked as an Account Manager for Staffordshire County Council for just over a year, although I’ve worked for the authority for over 21 years within different finance roles. I am responsible for two teams within Adults and Children’s Financial Services. The opportunity to study accounting via an adult apprenticeship arose through my employer. This has given me the opportunity to work and further my career opportunities at the same time. Outside of work, I’m a mum of two young children which keep me very busy.

I completed my Level 2 qualification quite a long time ago and like the idea of progressing my qualifications. It was Staffordshire County Council who gave me the opportunity to go down the adult apprenticeship route to enhance my knowledge and support me with my day-to-day work.

You have to be very organised and I ensure that I manage my work load to be able to fit in my studies and assignments. My employer has been very supportive in that respect. Balancing studying whilst achieving at work is something I’ve learnt to manage, but it does require a lot of discipline and good time management.

I have a very busy home life with children aged six and eight. I am lucky to have supportive and encouraging employer and a great family network who are on hand to ensure I can meet my assignment deadlines.

Throughout life, you are constantly developing and enhancing your skills. Coming back into college life as an adult learner meant that I had to be more organised and improve my time management skills. This and being able to prioritise my workload has helped me in all aspects of my life.

I am not very good at relaxing and always need to be busy. I have always loved doing things around the home and garden, but I wanted to learn new skills to be able to do more DIY. I wanted to give my confidence a boost and studying a recreational course in carpentry and joinery is just want I needed. On a Monday, I'm in college with my AAT apprenticeship hat on and then head straight over to the workshop to pick up carpentry and joinery. Very different from my AAT course, but it's a brilliant way to unwind.

I have honestly loved all aspects. You get to learn each aspect of joinery in detail and how to use manual and electronic tools correctly. I have now moved onto furniture making and I’m currently making a coffee table.

I have grown to be a better version of myself in work and I feel that I can offer more to my employer. The apprenticeship route as an adult learner has given me the opportunity to learn different areas of the finance world which I wouldn’t have considered before.

Throughout my apprenticeship as an adult learner, I have had regular contact with my assessor. Coming into college my tutor has always provided great support and they really want you achieve. This motivates you to do the best you can. In terms of my joinery course, y tutors explain each stage of the process in the projects we are creating in detail. You are encouraged to ask questions and see support if needed as it can very very challenging.

Do it! You wouldn’t believe how happy this course has made me. I really enjoy doing something out of my norm and I’ve had so many opportunities to be creative and make things I’ve never dreamt of.

I intend to use the knowledge I’ve gained in many projects I have in mind. I’ve never asked for tools for my birthday, however it’s funny how this course gets under your skin and is so enjoyable. From a work point of view, I'd like to progress onto the Level 4 AAT course on completion of the Level 3 qualification.