National Apprenticeship Week – Historic Royal Palaces Case Study
National Apprenticeship Week, is about celebrating the incredible impact that vocational training has on individuals, businesses, and the wider economy. At Smart Training and Recruitment, we believe that Apprenticeships are the cornerstone of a future-ready workforce.
This week we’re shining a light on our partnership with Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). While HRP is dedicated to preserving the past, they are equally committed to investing in the future of their people.
Through the Learning and Skills Mentor Level 4 Apprenticeship, staff across iconic sites like Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace are gaining the tools to lead, inspire, and mentor the next generation. This programme, delivered by our expert tutor Sophie Fowkes, provides learners with the essential skills to conduct initial assessments, set strategic targets, and provide inclusive feedback that helps mentees overcome barriers.
Below, we hear from three learners at different stages of their careers on how this Apprenticeship is helping them and their teams thrive.
Spotlight: Site Coordinator, Public Engagement
Location: Kensington Palace & Banqueting House Whitehall
Have you felt supported by Smart Training and Recruitment throughout your Apprenticeship journey?
“Sophie and SMART have been incredibly supportive throughout my Apprenticeship. Not only with my course but with work and career advice in general.”
Which skills would you say you have developed the most?
“My communication skills have really improved. This includes how I communicate with my mentee as well as within the workplace. I have also improved how I manage my emotional response to certain situations.”
Has your confidence in your role changed?
“Definitely. I feel more comfortable and confident when dealing with challenges and difficult situations.”
What feedback have you received from your workplace?
“I have had great feedback from those I line manage and mentor; they have found the experience really useful and rewarding. I have also received great feedback from my own line manager and the early careers manager, who have seen the progression in me both personally and professionally and the impact it has had on my mentees.”
Your advice to a new Apprentice:
“Set time aside for the course and for reflection after mentoring sessions and make sure you speak up and advocate for your own professional development.”
Spotlight: Camilla Beevor
Role: Commercial Contracts Solicitor at Hampton Court Palace
Have you felt supported by Smart Training and Recruitment?
“Absolutely. Smart Training and Recruitment have been fabulous throughout my Apprenticeship. In particular, my tutor, Sophie, has supported and encouraged me the whole way throughout the programme. I really appreciate how much time she has made for catch ups, group sessions and one to one training on particular topics. I will be entering my end point assessment feeling confident in all the knowledge she has imparted and with brilliant encouragement and support all the way.”
Which skills would you say you have developed the most?
“As a result of the Mentoring Apprenticeship I feel much better equipped to support my mentees when they are facing challenges. A key skill I have learned is how to conduct an initial assessment to help identify goals, barriers, and ways of learning. This has really helped and ensures that I can have tailored and structured mentoring sessions with my mentees that really help them to achieve their goals.”
How do you see your role evolving over the next few years?
“I would like to grow my team and take on more Apprentices who would benefit from mentoring. I would also like to take on more mentees in other teams.”
Your advice to a new Apprentice:
“I would advise new Apprentices starting the course to make the time to reflect every week and to keep their mentoring and CPD journals up to date!”
Spotlight: Amy Borthwick
Focus: Leadership and Adaptation in an Outdoor Role
Have you felt supported by Smart Training and Recruitment?
“Support from Smart has been fantastic throughout – they have adapted to my needs as I have an outdoor role with little access to computers.”
Which skills would you say you have developed the most?
“I have learned to be aware of my own biases, how to improve my communication skills and time management and generally work more effectively. I’ve been fascinated to learn about Maslow’s theory of need and what motivates people and find that I reflect on certain theories frequently. I’ve also enjoyed the topic of growth and how to develop growth mindsets. I have used all this theory in relationships with mentees and colleagues and have received positive feedback about its effectiveness.”
What impact has the Apprenticeship had on your career?
“Doing the Apprenticeship gave me more opportunities at work and contributed to me receiving a promotion into a leadership role. Since starting the role, I have received positive feedback on the effectiveness of my communication skills from my own managers, as well as feedback from Apprentices and colleagues I’ve mentored in the last year.”
Your advice to a new Apprentice:
“What I’ve liked about this course is that it gives you a modern understanding of how to work and communicate effectively… It is a course worth doing and a great addition to anyone’s professional toolkit – but be prepared to take time out of your day-to-day work to complete the coursework.”
