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Sharon’s Story

The ILM training has had a major impact on Sharon's career, enabling her to transition from a technical role to a managerial position, where she now effectively leads and manages a team.

“The whole experience was relevant and engaging.”

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Sharon, a Production Technician at Polymermedics, has shown incredible dedication to both her career and personal development. After completing the ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management, Sharon decided to continue her learning journey by enrolling in the ILM Level 5 Award at Truro and Penwith College. This not only marked a big step in her education but also paved the way for significant career progression.

For Sharon, one of the best parts of the ILM Level 5 course was the sense of camaraderie among the group. Richie, the tutor, stood out as a key part of her experience and a significant source of support, offering guidance and fostering a positive learning atmosphere. “Richie was great, very supportive and engaging,” Sharon noted, emphasising the importance of having an approachable tutor.

“The course was full of interesting, real-life stories,” Sharon recalls, adding, “Richie and I had great chats discussing leadership books and theories.” These discussions helped her connect theory with practice, making the whole experience more relevant and engaging.

Another standout was the level of support offered by the College. Sharon recalled having access to a wide range of resources, from eBooks to study materials, which helped her keep up with her coursework. Her manager at Polymermedics also played a big role in her success giving plenty of time during her working hours to focus on her studies. This enabled Sharon to balance work, learning and assignments without too much stress.

The impact of the ILM training on Sharon’s career has been significant. Through her continued education, she has transitioned from a technical role to a managerial position, showcasing her ability to lead and manage effectively. Sharon proudly explained “I’ve moved job roles from a technical role into a managing people role.” Her commitment to personal development has not gone unnoticed. She is currently being considered for an upcoming Production Manager position, with her boss being very encouraging.

Beyond her own career progression, Sharon’s training has also brought benefits to her organisation. One of the key projects she initiated during her ILM Level 3 course, which focuses on improving the company’s packing processes, is still underway and has already begun improving communication and efficiency at Polymermedics.

Looking ahead, Sharon is set to embark on her next academic challenge: a Business Management Degree with the Open University. Her employer has been incredibly supportive, even loaning her a company laptop to help with her studies. “I’m excited about the next step in my education,” Sharon expressed, as she looks forward to continuing her professional development.

Sharon strongly recommends Truro and Penwith College for those considering furthering their business education. She was quick to mention the atmosphere at the Tregye campus explaining: “It’s lovely and quiet, making it the perfect environment for learning. The staff are approachable and friendly which made my time at the College even more enjoyable.”

The ILM Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management focuses on developing key management and leadership skills for those in middle management or aspiring to such roles.

Find out more about the various Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) courses available here. Explore our course offerings or contact our dedicated team at 01872 308000 to discuss the best option for you.

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