A decade of Jacqui!

How it all began

Today we celebrate 10 years of Jacqui. Jacqui's first contact with L&G was as a Nursery Manager where she took a chance on a shy but potential-packed young person called Beth. Beth came to us straight from school shy, without formal qualifications, and unsure of her path. Under Jacqui's wing, Beth blossomed into a confident professional who now holds a senior position in early years. Beth also won the award of Employability Student of the Year at the Scottish Training Federation (STF) conference. So, when Jacqui applied to join us here at L&G, it was a no-brainer for us to offer her a position in our company.

Jacqui's first job was an Employability tutor but as the company grew, Jacqui grew with us, first achieving her Assessor's award then moving into the position of SVQ Assessor the rest, as they say, is history.

In 2021 Jacqui was shortlisted for the ‘Apprentice Instructure of the year’ Award at the prestigious Skills Development Scotland annual awards night. A fitting tribute to the support Jacqui gives to all Apprentices.

The Jacqui Effect

What Her Candidates Say

We asked Jacqui's past and present candidates to share their thoughts, now I need to add a caveat here, anything that seemed over the top with praise was edited out. We do not want our other assessors to get jealous 😁

Teegan says: "Jacqui was amazing during my apprenticeship, she was very supportive and always there for me. If I didn't have Jacqui as my assessor, I don't think I could have done it without her. Jacqui, you are amazing at your job, teaching and helping so many young people how to be amazing at their job." ❤️

Zenith confesses: "Her empathy really stood out - she took the time to get to know how I work best and helped me learn at my own pace. I just want to say a big thank you to Jacqui for all the support she gave me throughout my apprenticeship. Jacqui was not only a good assessor, but a genuinely great teacher and nice person. I want to warmly congratulate her on 10 years with L&G Learning — what an incredible achievement. I hope she’s doing well, and I wish her all the very best in everything that lies ahead. Thank you, Jacqui"

Ellie says: “Jacqui supported me massively, I don’t think I would’ve been able to complete my apprenticeship without her. I am still working in the same workplace and have been for 4 years thanks to Jacqui’s support.

Carly reveals: "Jacqui made me realise I can do anything if I put my mind to it and I’m proud to say she’s the only person that’s made me feel as though I can do it."

Kayla boasts: "Jacqui was my assessor, she was a great mentor to me and always spoke me through everything even when I was confused. Jacqui was always there for me even when I doubted myself. She is an amazing mentor, assessor and women. I now work in home help (which I couldn’t have done without Jacqui’s recommendation) and am going to university for paramedic science."

Amy highlight: “Jacqui was my main support and encourager whilst I studied through my apprenticeship. Even during the hard times she always made me feel like I was doing something right and was always very helpful. I am still working in childcare after qualifying 6 years ago. I don’t feel that I would have gotten through the apprenticeship and stayed in childcare for so long if it hadn’t of been for Jacqui pushing me to do my best and encouraging me to stick into it.”

Naailah admits: "I'm thinking of becoming an assessor just like Jacqui. She really inspired me I want to support others who struggle to believe in themselves, just like she did for me."

Rafaela said: “Jacqui was an incredible support throughout my apprenticeship throughout L&G Training. She was always approachable and took the time to ensure I fully understood each part of the training. Her guidance helped build my confidence, especially when I faced challenges, and she consistently encouraged me to aim higher. Jacqui’s support made a real difference to my learning experience and overall progress. I am continuing my career in childcare and have recently enrolled in a Master's program to further deepen my knowledge and skills in the field.”

If these were the quotes we kept in, then you can imagine the ones we cut. So, to our other Assessors: are you going to let Jacqui beat you this way? Now that I have stirred the pot, I will stand back and see what happens 😂

The Employer's Corner

Gillian from Headstart Nursery collected these gems from her team:

Iris says: "Jacqui is great at breaking down a problem into manageable bits."

Brooke appreciates: "She knows we're all different and need different approaches." (Mind reading: just another skill on Jacqui's CV!)

Gillian herself adds: "I really appreciate our open communication and the fact that Jacqui is always available to chat about any issues. Her sense of humour is a bonus😊.”

Siobhan from Somerset Nursery didn't hold back: "She is the OG of L&G! Jacqui has always been a very positive and supportive assessor to Somerset Nursery Modern Apprentices. Her knowledge and experience is invaluable. We adore her😍 Congratulations, Jacqui on your decade of service."

Lorraine Kirkwood summed it up perfectly: "Jacqui feels like part of our family here at the nursery. Jacqui has been a vital support, mentor and professional link to myself and the nurseries I have had apprentices. Jacqui has a soft, caring approach and nurtures the best out of her candidates. Jacqui goes above and beyond on a daily basis. I have sincerely appreciated her support, partnership working and most of all her kind approach when in the playrooms."

And From Her Assessor Team Mate

Linzi says: "From the very start of my journey as a trainee SVQ assessor, your guidance made such a difference. You've been an incredible mentor and role model." She adds, "We definitely need a night out to celebrate this one!" (Important notice: no alcohol was abused in the writing of this blog, it was treated with kindness and respect)

Here's to You, Jacqui!

Ten years of tireless support, countless lives changed, and immeasurable impact on L&G Learning. Your dedication to helping others succeed doesn't just make you good at your job it makes you extraordinary at life.

Congratulations on your first decade with us. The next one has a lot to live up to!

P.S. We arranged to get you 10 cakes to celebrate, but they arrived on Friday and Richard was the only one in the office, so there is only one left. I believe Richard said something like "blooming delivery people never trust them!" But there was an awful lot of crumbs under his desk. 🙄