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Outstanding apprentice support

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CA SPOTLIGHT: Fathia

The CA Spotlight is something new we are bringing into 2025, recognising and celebrating individuals’ achievements within the company. Over the last 12 months, our team has grown significantly with so many talented people, we want to show appreciation for the fantastic work they have been doing for Creative Alliance. We take feedback from learners, employers, colleagues, the senior management team and the board to decide on who we will spotlight every other month. 

So….our very first spotlight is being shone on Fathia!! 

Fathia has been chosen as we have received feedback praising her dedication in supporting learners, for example under Fathia’s guidance learners confidence and skills have grown significantly. Her unwavering support, and strong relationships with learners make her an invaluable asset to our organisation.

Fathia’s story

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work at CA?

Life, to me, is about living fully and making meaningful memories. I enjoy socialising, dancing, walking and skiing, and I approach life with optimism. I believe that education is a continuous journey, not a final destination. That’s why I’ve had a wide range of jobs, each requiring different skills.

I started my career as a computer programmer, working in the field for over ten years. After that, I spent several years as a contractor providing desktop support. However, I realised I didn’t want to be crawling under desks when I was over 50! So, I decided to get a teaching qualification.
 
Now, I’m a tutor, helping adult learners, especially those who are neurodivergent, with their studies and career development.
How would you describe your role at CA and the impact that has for learners?

I joined CA as a Functional Skills ICT tutor, where I quickly achieved a high success rate. Today, I support apprentices working towards their Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths. I spend as much time as needed with each apprentice to ensure they feel confident in their skills.

My sessions are fun, and many apprentices have told me they wish they had been taught this way in school. It’s not just the apprentices who appreciate my support; I’ve received positive feedback from employers who have noticed a real difference in their apprentices’ progress.

My role has evolved to include Additional Learning Support (ALS) tutoring, thanks to my OCR Level 7 Diploma in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties. In this capacity, I’ve shared my techniques for supporting apprentices with ALS with my colleagues. Apprentices are encouraged to come to me anytime they need help. I was also asked to speak to a group at CA about how I supported a learner dealing with stress-related issues.

“Thank you so much for you dedicated focus in keeping us in the loop and updating us with Chantelle’s progress. 

I’m personally seeing a real shift in her confidence in how she asks and contributes to solution focused questions.  

Thank you for your patience and your ability to connect and communicate effectively to put Maths front and centre in giving Chantelle the confidence to grow”.

Feedback from Employer at Black Country Living Museum

Congratulations Fathia, it is truly inspiring to see the impact you have had on learners and our team