Celebrating 20 years - Fiona Robb shares her experiences in training…
This year, we are celebrating 20 years in business.
We have been asking our clients of their experiences in the learning and development / training industry over the years.
We sat with Fiona Robb, Training Supervisor at Macsween of Edinburgh, to ask her about her experiences.
Fiona has worked closely with Polaris Learning for a number of years, from previous employers to most currently at Macsween.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you
ended up where you are now?
I started as a Christmas Temp in Halls and ended up staying there as Site Training Manager until it closed 20 years later. I then came to Macsween (after my first Christmas off in 20 years!) in the role of Training Supervisor.
What you do
My main role is to organise training across Macsween for the production areas of the business; from food safety, health & safety, inductions, food hygiene, and HACCP, to manual handling.How you ended up in this job (did you set out to be in this area?)
The main reason I got into a training role initially was whilst working at Halls. I knew the most about the machinery and equipment through experience and as a result I fell into the role.
2. Thinking about your particular area of expertise, how do you think things have changed over the last 20 years?
How
has training / learning and development changed in your view?
I feel that is has changed massively as companies are increasingly
understanding the need to have staff trained on the job as well as giving staff
the background knowledge of understanding why they are carrying out a certain
role. Budgets are increasing as
companies are becoming more aware of the soft skills as well as the knowledge
required by staff to enable them to fulfil their role fully.
Would
you say training / learning and development has or has not become more
important?
I would say it definitely has and not just throughout
legislation. Customers and external audit parties are asking more and more about
the training and competence of staff.
In
your opinion, has the focus between soft skills and technical skills changed over
the years?
Definitely yes, and I feel more in favour of soft skills and the
need to have competent people in leadership roles. Across the board more and more ethical
standards and behaviours are required.
Legislation is still the driving force however it is moving towards a more even balance.
3. Looking back on your career, how has your career developed?
The main highlights in my career are the candidates and seeing their confidence grow. Although the closure of Halls was an unpleasant experience, one of the upsides for me personally was seeing people get other employment through the skills they had gained whilst working at Halls.
If you were looking back, what hints and tips would you give yourself?
Take training and qualifications for my own career development at a younger age more seriously. I passed a few opportunities by and as a result I had to do things later in life.
4. How do you think training / learning and development will
evolve over the next 20 years?
I think there will be a greater amount of virtual training and online systems. I don’t necessarily agree that this is the best way in all cases as learners (especially towards soft skills) learn so much more face to face with an experienced trainer.
5. Can you tell us about any training and development that
you have received?
I have been involved in various training and development courses throughout my years in the food industry. With Polaris Learning, I completed my Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Operations and this has helped me to assist others going through the qualification.What did you get from it (personal development / career development)?
Up until the point of doing my Level 3 I was only covering legislative requirements and training. It got me thinking about my own development again, it focused me to become more structured in my approach to my own development as well as focused me more on the knowledge required to not only carry out my role but also explain it to others.Have there been any challenges?
The biggest challenge for me was being able to get the time to undertake any training as well as taking the knowledge and experience I have and being able to put this down on paper. I now use the skills I have learned to help others get their thoughts down on paper.
6. Finally, what advice would
you give learners starting out in their careers?
I would certainly advise them to take up any learning and development opportunities given to them. They may not feel that some of the training offered is relevant to them initially but I feel with experience behind you in a range of areas you are a much better candidate for future progression and promotion.
I would also advise them not to be scared of learning and go with the attitude that they can succeed.
