Seetec Inspire Gina to Embrace Management Role

When mum-of-two Gina Loombe was promoted to Assistant Manager at busy Norwich toyshop The Entertainer, a tailored training programme spearheaded her development into the type of manager she wanted to be.

Thanks to a partnership between her manager and employment and skills specialist Seetec Gina was able to develop her skills on the job. A combination of observation, working with her manager and Seetec’s assessor, and out-of-hours study for her Retail Management qualification, was the springboard for her success.

Gina’s manager Rachel Willmott explained: “Gina showed massive potential but we needed to support her to grow her skills, experience and confidence and help her to develop herself.”

“Being Assistant Manager is not an easy job and Gina did extremely well to complete her qualification alongside in-house training for her role.”

Seetec’s Internal Quality Assurer Steve Bond was able to provide exactly the external support Gina needed – observing her at work during busy times, and taking her out of the store to the nearby library to work together on areas identified for skills development.

Steve said: “Gina didn’t initially exude confidence and has faced barriers on her learning journey, including balancing it with her family life.

“She’s worked really hard to get to grips with her job role. She initially struggled to pass her English and Maths, but she stuck at it. She really deserves recognition for her achievement.”

Gina, 31, who was recently presented with her Advanced Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 2 A levels in a vocational setting), said: “I feel very proud. It has been rewarding and has helped me to progress in my job. I’ve learned the skills I didn’t have and I’ve been able to use my training in my working life, giving me more confidence.”

Manager Rachel added that she now believed Gina would be able to share her skills and knowledge to help the store’s supervisor to develop. “There’s a massive difference in how far she’s come. I have faith in her ability to help upskill others in the team, which is a great benefit to the business.”

Employers interested in more information about accessing skills training and funding opportunities, should contact Seetec on 01702 208 270.