Karen Gets Gold
Date: 17/05/2010
In 1995, Karen left school and went to work at a local furniture company, IPEC Furniture Ltd, where she was offered a Woodmachining Apprenticeship through North Lancs Training Group. Karen studied hard and was rewarded by achieving the Craft and Advanced Craft certificates. In conjunction, Karen went onto achieve Woodmachining NVQ level 2 and was the first female apprentice to be awarded Woodmachining NVQ level 3. Karen worked her way up to a supervisory level, continuing with her learning, and went on to complete an NVQ level 2 in Team Leading.
Karen has worked for North Lancs Training Group in their Centre of Vocational Excellence teaching Woodmachining for six years. Starting initially as a technician, Karen has worked to improve her knowledge of the maintenance and operation of the woodworking machines in the centre. In 2008, after two years of intense study, Karen achieved the Certificate in Education teaching qualification which has made her a more confident person.
In 2009, Karen was nominated for a City and Guilds Medal for excellence in the teacher / trainer category. In recognition of her hard work and dedication to the job, Karen was awarded the Gold Medal.
Karen is a highly esteemed member of the CoVE team who is always available to offer her support and advice to her peers and learners. Karen communicates well at all levels an attribute that has grown with her through her progression from shop floor operative to Teacher/Trainer and she is often called upon by companies to give specialist advice and training.
Karen has been influential in designing resources and courses which are given to learners who attend the CoVE for training; this information is invaluable for the NVQ learners to achieve their qualifications.
From the onset of the CoVE Karen was involved in setting up classes for pupils from local schools to allow them to access the centre to achieve the BA Crest Awards.
Karen always makes learners feel at ease with her down to earth and approachable teaching style. She is able to adapt sessions to accommodate learner's different learning styles and needs which is sometimes necessary with the different learner groups.
Overall, Karen's infectious smile, personality and professionalism contribute to the continual learner and company involvement within the CoVE.
