Case Study- Alisdair Lay

Role: Customer Operations Future Manager

Length of time at RM: 14 years

Questions:

What apprenticeship are you doing/did you do?

For the past year I have been working through the Supervisor/Team Leader apprenticeship. I am currently working on my End Point Assessment. After passing I will be preparing for the COM evaluation.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship with Royal Mail?

I was an OPG for 12 years and I wanted to move into management. My previous work experience was in a different field, and I wanted to learn more about business management concepts.

The four key themes of the FMDP apprenticeship – Building High Performance Teams, Organisational Governance, Managing Self & Project Management – provided a strong foundation of understanding I wouldn’t have gained otherwise.

What 3 words describe your apprenticeship?

Educational, Supportive, Worthwhile.

What do you like most about the apprenticeship?

The balance between the theoretical learning and training on the shop floor. Discovering how concepts take shape during operational hours. The course structure was clear and easy to follow. The virtual classrooms were always valuable and interactive. The breakout rooms, where COFM’s discussed ideas and strategies were insightful and engaging.

What is the most challenging aspect of the apprenticeship?

Managing my time. Ensuring that my work in the depot and my coursework were completed within agreed timescales.

What is the biggest learning experience because of the apprenticeship?

Focus on the things you can control/change/improve.

What support is available to you?

I have been very lucky with the amount of support I have had throughout my apprenticeship. OPL’s, Lead COM’s, COMS, COSM’s, my fellow COFM’s, OPG’s, CWU & CMA Reps, the Royal Mail Talent Team and my excellent Babington Coaches have always been available to support me. Throughout the apprenticeship I always had someone whom I could ask for help when it was needed.

How do you think this experience will influence some of your future career choices?

My apprenticeship experience has given me so much more confidence. I want to establish myself as a reliable and trustworthy COM. I will see where I go from there!