Staff in the spotlight

This month we put the spotlight on Melanie Lloyd who joined ACT in November 2017. Mel works as the Employability Tutor (Care) at our Bridgend Centre.

Tell us a little bit about your role, and what your average day looks like. I joined ACT Training in November 2017 as maternity cover for the Childcare route in Traineeships. In the last 3 years I have moved from Traineeship to Apprenticeship and back to Traineeships again. I am currently working in the Bridgend centre as the Childcare Tutor. A typical day for me includes: bathing dolls, making formula feeds, changing nappies, making playdough, gloop and taking part in messy play activities with the learners. We also have lots of discussions around caring for children, the elderly and meeting other's needs.

What is the most rewarding part of your current role?

The most rewarding part of my job role is seeing learners achieve their short and long-term goals. Also, helping them realise their natural strengths and abilities and building confidence through learning.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself… I don’t think I am a very interesting person. However, my learners find it very amusing that I enjoy watching planes take off and land. The learners used to ring me when the planes were low flying over the Bridgend centre.

Where is the best place you have travelled to? The best place I have travelled to has to be New York. The shopping in Woodbury Common was amazing and I do love a bargain.

What was the last album you listened to? The last album I listened to was the soundtrack to ‘A Star is Born’.

"When I am not working, I like a good chat on the phone, a glass of rose wine, spending time with my family and going out for a nice meal."

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? This may sound like a cop out but I honestly cannot say I have ever had a bad job. I have enjoyed all of them and appreciated the experiences and opportunities that I have gained. Some good and some bad, but they have all provided valuable life lessons for me.

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working? When I am not working, I like a good chat on the phone, a glass of rose wine, spending time with my family and going out for a nice meal.

What would be your top tip for colleagues? My top tips for my colleagues would be to talk to each other more. Don't be too hard on yourself and always be grateful for the experiences and opportunities that fall into your life journey..

A big thank you to Melanie for taking the time to answer our questions this month. If you would like to feature in our Staff in the Spotlight section, or have a colleague you’d like to put forward, please e-mail Rachael Lewis.