RNN Group Apprentice Nominated for Apprenticeship Award
RNN Group Digital Learning Apprentice* Mackenzie Barraclough has been nominated for the Advanced Apprentice of the Year in the annual National Apprenticeship Awards. The nomination is in recognition of the support and training that she has delivered across the Group’s three Colleges (Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College) to tutors, support staff and the Groups student digital innovators.
Mackenzie, who combined study towards her Level 3 Digital Learning Design apprenticeship with a busy role in the Group’s Quality and Learning team, has been pivotal in the roll-out of a range of digital tools – G Suite for Education – that have been vital in ensuring that we continue to deliver high-quality teaching and learning as we have adapted to the ongoing situation with COVID-19. She has delivered training sessions, produced user guides and developed online teaching materials for staff that has allowed them to produce immersive and engaging online sessions.
Mackenzie said: “It’s a massive shock to receive a nomination. To have what I do recognised is amazing and for someone to say that I’ve gone above and beyond really makes me feel appreciated; it’s a great feeling!”
Since completing her apprenticeship earlier this year Mackenzie has secured a full-time role within RNN Group as a Digital Innovation Assistant where she will continue to implement new digital tools across the group and deliver further training to staff.
She continues: “My apprenticeship helped me secure this job. The skills that I’ve learned on my apprenticeship really complements what my day-to-day job is. I’ve also been put forward for additional training; I’m a Level 2 Certified Google Educator – which helps with our ambitions of increasing digital skills across the organisation.”
RNN Group Quality and Learning Lead Jason Thomas has mentored and managed Mackenzie throughout her apprenticeship.
Jason said: “I’m incredibly proud of Mackenzie not only for receiving a nomination for this award but for everything she has brought to the organisation and the impact she has made. She is often the first port of call for teaching staff looking for support from our team.
“She has absolutely thrived, particularly since we entered lockdown back in March – her confidence and independence have really come on.
“Without her we wouldn’t be where we are now and wouldn’t have been able to successfully transition to a blended teaching model for the 2020/21 academic year. I can honestly say our staff wouldn’t be as confident using the G Suite tools without the training, guidance and help that she offers.”
Find out more about the RNN Group here.
*Correct at time of publication