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We hear from Joanna Dale, Student Advisor, who recently won the ‘Outstanding Contribution by an Apprentice to an Employer Award’ at at the on 7 November.

What made you choose this apprenticeship programme?

I’d been interested in coaching for some years and have friends who have done coaching qualifications, so it was on my radar. I’ve worked as a student advisor since 2010 and been a mentor on the staff mentoring scheme. Coaching fits very well with that skillset. When the information about the Coaching Professional apprenticeship was sent round it felt like too good an opportunity to pass up. A now or never situation! 

What have you learned so far from your apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship was an amazing learning experience. The course was very in-depth and we explored different coaching models, behaviour change theory, questioning techniques, goal-setting, ethical frameworks. There were practical elements to the course – we had workshops where we coached each other and were observed. I learnt a lot from being coached myself and experiencing first hand when a coach’s questions and reflections really resonate. 

I would like to thank my wonderful coachees during the apprenticeship. I needed 50 hours of coaching practice with a range of different coachees. Mine were mostly from the University, across a wide range of roles (academic and PS), backgrounds, personal situations and nationalities. I will always be grateful for the openness and enthusiasm they brought to our sessions. They put their trust in the coaching process and me (a total novice) and I couldn’t have done the apprenticeship without them.

How did you balance your work and study commitments?

I must admit it was a challenge and, at times, stressful. I had to be organised and strict with myself. The course actually had a useful module on organising your time as a coach, preparing for sessions and avoiding overwhelm. It was trial and error until I found a rhythm that worked for me. I was so lucky that my line manager Rachel Gould and lovely colleagues were 100% supportive. Rachel encouraged me, gave me time to reflect on the course in our one-to-ones, was flexible with the practical logistics and was keen for me to share my learning. 

What support have you had during your apprenticeship?

As well as support from my line manager, colleagues and the apprenticeship team, my family and friends were really kind and patient. I was also assigned a coach mentor, through the training provider, who I met with every six weeks. The other apprentices on the course were also very supportive. We had a very active WhatsApp chat and it really kept us all going when morale was flagging.

How do you apply the skills and knowledge you have gained from your apprenticeship to your work tasks?

The skills and knowledge have been invaluable for my role. I feel I can bring a more nuanced approach to interactions with students and colleagues. Coaching is underpinned by the premise that the individual has the resources within themselves to find a way forward. The coach doesn’t advise or suggest – their job is to create a safe environment where the coachee can explore their options, reflect on what is holding them back and tap into their potential. I’ve found a coaching approach can be very effective when supporting students. Sometimes advice isn’t what’s needed. The opportunity to talk and come to your own conclusion about you need to do is more motivating and empowering.

What’s your greatest achievement?

was a very proud moment! My husband and children were at the graduation ceremony and cheered me up onto the stage. 

And just finishing the apprenticeship – it was a lot of work but totally worth it.

What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

Lots of exciting opportunities have already sprung up since the apprenticeship. Laura Tolhurst (also a student advisor and coach) and I have launched a series of collage workshops called ‘Seasons Change’. Coaching and creativity are closely linked and collage is a unique way to explore what you want out of life. Do email Laura or me if you would like more information or check out @encompass_coachingwithjo

What can you reveal about yourself that few people know?

I lived in Paris for three years in my early twenties. My first summer was spent on a tiny island in the Seine only accessible by boat, looking after four small children, two dogs and a cat with rusty GCSE French – toute seule! It was terrifying. If you can survive that chaos you can survive most things…

If you are interested in learning more about Coaching apprenticeships that include a level 5 CMI qualification in Coaching plus being eligible to register at Practitioner level with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council EMCC (membership fees apply) please visit the apprenticeship webpage or contact staffapprenticeships@Sussex.ac.uk