Work-based Assessor Spotlight - Allison McLeod
Work based training allows you to work towards a vocational qualification relevant to your employment, so you can learn while you earn and gain a recognised qualification.
Whether you are a young person looking for an apprenticeship, or an employer who is keen to train and develop staff, our business team can guide you.
Our apprentices are supported throughout their journey by our work-based assessors and in this week’s blog we meet our Early Years assessor, Allison McLeod.
What were you doing before started working at UHI Perth?
I started working as a child minder when I had my first daughter 34 years ago! I then worked in a local playgroup for a few years before going into education as a support worker. I then went to UHI Perth to do my HNC in a year. I worked then as an ECP moving to a Senior ECP when studying for my degree. I had no idea or ambitions when I left school. I had a variety of jobs including working as a ‘milk recorder’ on farms and working for a Sheriff Officer.
What is your role at UHI Perth?
I am a Work-Based Assessor and Internal Verifier.
What’s the best part of your job?
Meeting candidates who are keen to progress in the childcare industry.
What is the number one item you always take with you?
I always take a smile and an open mind.
Why do you think apprenticeships are important to businesses?
Apprenticeships are a great way to gain valuable experience in the industry and at the same gain the knowledge and understanding behind what they are doing, plus get a great qualification!
Within your trade how can training and apprenticeship improve your skills and help move you up the career ladder / what type of jobs could you eventually end up in?
There are a variety of career opportunities such as:
✔️ Working as a Registered Early Years Practitioner
✔️ Classroom Assistant
✔️ Additional Support Needs Worker
✔️ Youth Worker
✔️ Play Worker
✔️ Inclusion Officer
✔️ Social Worker
Alternatively candidate may wish to progress to further study: (both available at UHI Perth)
✔️ BA Childhood Practice
✔️ Child and Youth Studies
Three key words to promote apprenticeships to employers?
✔️ Upskilling ✔️ Advancing ✔️ Meta skills
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I am a Mum and new Granny? 💗 I was brought up on a dairy farm.
Who, or what, inspires you?
Candidates inspire me, when I see an activity that is well planned and executed. Children also inspire me, they are so inquisitive and engaging, it’s amazing to see.
What is the best advice you have ever received, and who did it from?
When I was a support worker in a primary school and the primary one teacher told me to apply to do the Childhood Practice degree, I thought, really, I don’t think I can do that! She was so supportive and encouraging and I did it! It took me five years, but it was definitely worth it.
Favourite food/office snack?
Indian is one of my favourites, although so are most foods. To go with this, I like cooking and baking.
Favourite hobby?
We have a large garden so hope to learn more about that as I go along.
First thing you would do if you won £1 million?
If I won a million, I would share it with family and friends so that we could all enjoy it together.
