First learners complete online Coaching and Mentoring training

A total of nineteen completed the online part of the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring and are now doing their practical work and completing their assignments. Eight of these were staff from Cedar Foundation who wanted to improve their coaching skills and gain a qualification, and eleven more Cedar staff are currently taking part in the second course that started in mid-May. Seven MACS staff are also completing the coaching and mentoring qualification online over the next number of months.

Online training is a good opportunity for organisations to train their staff flexibly and it means that a lot of staff are not out at training on the same day. It is great to see organisations making such a worthwhile investment in their staff not only increasing skills and confidence helping them to be more effective in their roles but enabling them to achieve an internationally recognised qualification as well.

“MACS is committed to upskilling our staff to provide the new and innovative support to children and young people. This is why we have invested in putting our Wellbeing team through ILM Coaching training and we look forward to seeing the outcomes for young people.” MACS

One person from Aware NI is completing the ILM level 3 Award in management and leadership, along with a learner from Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre. There are lots of options to choose from including Managing People, Managing Project and Managing budgets.

We asked those who have taken part in the online programme to tell us what they liked about it, this is what they said:

• Easy to follow
• Good support materials
• Variety of materials
• Learning at my own pace
• Studying at a time that suits me
• Ease of access
• Video resources

We also asked them how they will use what they have learnt in their roles and some of the responses are below:

• I will revise my practice and use the tools
• I have changed my attitude towards coaching and mentoring
• I’ll use what I learnt in supervision and appraisal meetings
• I will use this management style in all areas of my work.
• I will use a coaching approach in practice and development meetings with staff
• I will use coaching in my day to day interactions with staff and in formal programmes

The online course is a great way to provide training and development to your staff that fits around their needs and their timeframes. NICVA provides the guidance and support for assignments.

The next ILM level 5 Certificate in Coaching and mentoring starts on 28 June with an online induction with access to materials available from 19 July - This course is ideal for all those who manage people and who want to develop their staff/volunteers and improve performance through coaching. Places are strictly limited so if you would like to do it please book and pay as soon as you can.