Kim Croucher

Learning and Development Coach

"A duty I have within this position is to support development towards safeguarding, British Values and equality and diversity. These are valuable life skills which responsible learners carry throughout life. "

What led you to work for PETA?

My past work has seen me start my career as an apprentice which is probably why I follow the path that I am now on. I have worked in the motor trade as an automotive engineer for many years. I started my career in education by chance as a position came to my attention that I was told would suit my attitude and approach to people. With that in mind I applied and was provided with the opportunity to become an instructor for a training provider in Eastleigh, Southampton. It seems to me that before long I became lead instructor then centre manager. In reality this didn’t happen overnight; when I look back, I reflect upon the years and development I experienced through these years.

Eventually I moved on to an alternative company where I worked as an assessor which is a position I enjoy to this day. I have worked for a small number of training providers which has given me a very broad spectrum to reflect upon as well as develop because of this experience.

What is your role at PETA and what drives you to do what you do?

At PETA I am working as a learning and development coach. This is a position where I have much experience as can been from the above comments.

In this position I meet with learners and employers as I support and guide them through the apprenticeship activity which relates to them. Here I become involved in developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours as per qualifications to the apprentice which includes support and guidance starting with the understanding that being responsible is about taking ownership of your life.

I meet with employers and learners where I discuss the events within the apprenticeship, assess work provided by the learner towards the criteria of the NVQ which they are working towards, as well as provide guidance for the end point assessment. I will challenge any event that appears not to support the apprentice during the time of the apprenticeship. A duty I have within this position is to support development towards safeguarding, British Values and equality and diversity. These are valuable life skills which responsible learners carry throughout life.

What knowledge and experience do you draw upon for your role?

I have been trained and developed to assess, where I have proven my worth through qualifications which I have been awarded. I am qualified as an NVQ assessor as well as an internal verifier. This has enabled me to support my position in the areas which I work in. I also hold certificates of training and development towards health & safety which again enables me to support myself and the learners I work with as together we engage in our activity which often takes place in the workplace. I hold trade certificates which I have earned as an apprentice which I have developed over the years through continued personal development.

My work and life experience has provided me with many opportunities to support learners towards H&S which in turn develops behaviour, skill, and knowledge. As I work with employers as well as learners, I am able to provide a level of support to companies where I may observe an area where improvements may be a benefit to the company.

How do you approach your role on a day-to-day basis? What skills are required?

Interpersonal skills are required in this post which I operate within. This is an area which I understand and accept as a continued line of development as each day I gain a new experience which I adapt and develop to suit the needs of the moment. Every learner is an individual which is something experience has taught me; therefore, I approach each meeting with an individual approach. I like to get to understand a learner which enables me to support them along with their individual needs.

As well as taking into account the individual learner’s needs, I also recognise the employer needs and levels of support required. My approach remains professional yet open and informative to all who are involved in my work.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I take great care to engage and involve myself in my family and circle of friends. I am very fortunate to have been blessed with seven grandchildren who receive as much of my time as I can give to them.

I have a wife who continues to receive my dedication to her. I shall say no more on this point.
At this point in my life, I spend a great deal of my time working on a variety of projects around the home. We are undergoing a development within the house which has proven a challenge working with builders and ongoing development that this situation has posed. Here I have been able to apply my forthright approach along with my calm attitude as I interact with trades associated with this project.

On a personal level I like to keep fit which I try to maintain.

What are your personal values, and what is important to you?

These values come from my lifelong development which I have either deliberately developed or have been blessed with through my family and friends. To me my values represent virtues which I present in my daily life.

Compassion, kindness, love, moderation, simplicity, patience, harmony, humility, modesty, and humour. Perhaps the final virtue is to avoid taking myself seriously and to laugh – often.