At North Hertfordshire College, we’re dedicated to helping our staff achieve their goals as well as our students. That’s why we’re pleased to offer professional development opportunities, both through internal programmes and broader qualifications, to help our teams achieve their goals.
Meet Marion Gibbon, Head of Management Information Systems (MIS) at North Hertfordshire College! Marion enrolled on an Operations / Departmental Management apprenticeship to support her development in her role, helping her unlock her full potential and achieve her career aspirations. Find out more about her apprenticeship and North Hertfordshire College journey in her Meet the Team interview:
What inspired you to take an apprenticeship route to progress your career?
“I have been working in the Further Education sector since I was 24. I was asked to join the MIS [Management Information Systems] team at North Hertfordshire College six years ago in a team leader role. I knew there were gaps in my knowledge, and it was becoming increasingly obvious to me that there was a lot I had to learn in the art of managing people. I had aspirations of becoming the head of the MIS department, and in order to do that I needed to know not only how to manage one team but several teams.
“I started to look around at what I could do to get that information and develop my understanding when the subject of apprenticeships and a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Operations / Departmental Management was mentioned. That was my lightbulb moment – I knew this would get me those skills to better manage my initial team of six staff and eventually several teams.
“When I finished my apprenticeship, I was 60, so age is not a barrier. It was one of the best decisions I have made and extremely rewarding. I went from not liking the people management side of my job to the exact opposite. I now have skills to deal with issues that I used to shy away from, which makes my job very rewarding.”
What did you enjoy the most about your apprenticeship?
“I enjoy learning, but I also love putting that learning into practice. The apprenticeship taught me the skills to manage a department, and the beauty of it was being able to put those skills immediately into practice with the team of people I was managing.”
If you could speak to someone who is thinking of joining North Hertfordshire College, what would you say to them?
“Come and join us – we offer a supportive, inclusive, friendly environment that gives you the chance to grow your career. Learning on the job through an apprenticeship in particular teaches you the skills, and then gives you the ideal chance to put those skills into immediate use.
“I am still working with North Hertfordshire College now that I have finished my apprenticeship, and I have also achieved my goal of becoming the Head of MIS. I have received much support from my colleagues, line manager, and other members of staff throughout my time at NHC, and I am grateful for this.”
Work with the Hart Learning Group
We think all jobs in education are some of the most important and fulfilling jobs in the world – helping people realise their potential and build a life for themselves; helping businesses to grow and improve; and helping to build strong, vibrant communities.
If you share our passion, we want to hear from you – check out our available vacancies and come and join the team!