SMART coaching and mentoring

When you meet with your Work-based Learning Coach and the mentor in your workplace to conduct a progress review you will normally focus on some specific themes where you have had the opportunity to develop or sometimes discuss areas where you need to agree a plan of action and adjust your training plan. As you complete and upload each review form this will include your Mentor’s comments and a refreshed, agreed action plan using SMART targets.

That means setting targets which are

• specific
• measurable
• achievable
• relevant (and realistic)
• time-bound

There are many different versions of the SMART approach to setting objectives. Here is one useful example.

Generally you will be developing your action plan with a focus on the knowledge skills and behaviours (KSBs) in your Apprenticeship Standard. You will encounter these KSBs in a number of different places

• when you did your initial Skills Scan before starting the apprenticeship
  in your Commitment Statement, which shows how the modules relate to the KSBs
• in each of your modules there are focussed KSBs
• in the structure of your E-portfolio, to help you focus on readiness for End Point Assessment

Here are some examples of other focal areas for appropriate targets to address gaps, keep on track, or indeed excel and stretch yourself.

• English and Literacy Skills
• Maths and Numeracy Skills
• Digital Skills 
• Time Management
• Reaching Higher