Page 64 - RADC 2023

Army Trainer Capability
Sgt Lucy Weedall
Calling all Soldiers and Officers who would like to improve their Coaching and Mentoring ability. Have you ever heard of the Army Trainer Capability? If not, why not?
First, let me introduce myself, I transferred to the Corps in 2016, after being an RLC driver for 6 years. I have been lucky enough to be employed
as a Section Commander at ATR Pirbright, and as an instructor within the Phase 2 Dental School. I now reside in the Phase 3 Promotions team at the Defence Medical Academy (DMA). During my time as a Trainer, I have found a thirst for development, not only for myself but for those around me too.
I have completed various qualifications, all free, which I
will outline below. I also used my Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs) to complete a Certificate in Education with Wolverhampton University
and become a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I don’t like spare time...... so in May 23 I embarked on my journey to complete the Chartered Degree Manager Apprenticeship, which will give me a BA (Hons) in Business Management, as well as other qualifications. This is for all
Sgts - WOs and I have seen the
email pushed out by the Corps SM highlighting how to apply. However,
if this is something you wanted more detail about, please contact me.
Moving back onto The Army Trainer Capability, this is a programme which provides training for those from LCpl and above to progress themselves personally and professionally, whilst giving them the skills to develop those around them. They are predominantly for Trainers in instructional roles, however, when there is space, they will take students within depth justification from the CoC.
These are the offerings:
• Level 3 award in education and
training is received when you attend a Defence Trainer course (DTc) no matter its location,
this is the new Defence Train the Trainer (DTTT) as it is now a requirement for all trainers to
have at minimum a level 3 in
teaching/education.
• Attending a DTc at the Army Staff
Leadership School (ASLS) based in Pirbright, Surrey will also allow you to gain a Level 3 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring. The DTc generally runs over a two week period, and if you cannot attend one at ASLS the Defence Medical Academy also runs them, however, they are also franchised out to local units, so it could be worth checking in your local area.
• The Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring can be achieved
by attending the Army Trainer Mentor (ATM) course at ASLS. This course runs over 5 days, and with additional portfolio and coaching/mentoring hours, you can receive the Level 5 Qualification.
If the ATM course is completed, you also can receive a Level 3 award in assessing vocationally related achievement. Which I have found particularly useful in my time at the DMA where I have been marking DTc portfolios for students.
The Level 7 Certificate for Senior and Executive Level Coaches and Mentors (CSELCM) is generally
for Officers who attend the Army Instructional Leader (AIL) course. However, I tried my luck, was accepted, and completed the Level 7 this year. I attended a 5 day in October
22 at ASLS and after months of work, finally got the pass and my certificate in July 23. In order to gain the Level
7 CSELCM, ACSO 3228 states ‘applications must be accompanied with a personal statement and submitted direct to SO2B Sldr Pol
– Prof Dev for consideration. Due to the academic nature of the course material and output each application will be considered on its own merit by a 3-person panel to determine
if a candidate is suitable to attend the course.’ This Level 7 qualification has allowed me to raise my profile with senior officers, and complete reverse mentoring within the DMA, it has raised my confidence levels and provided me with a network of Coaches & Mentors for the future.
Further detail about all these courses can be found on the ASLS SharePoint page, including schedule of courses and application forms. If anyone would like any further detail on this, or to find out about the DMA offerings, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am a firm believer in gaining as many civilian recognised qualifications whilst in service, and
all those mentioned above will be useful for life on the outside, as well as developing junior and senior staff.
Documents to look at:
ACSO 3228 – Army Trainer Capability ABN 035-2023 – CDMA calling notice for Feb/May 24
My contact details are: lucy.weedall529@mod.gov.uk
62 RADC BULLETIN 2023
EDUCATION