RHG Learning Coach Wins National Blog Competition with Powerful Message on Workplace Learning

We’re delighted to celebrate the success of one of our Safety, Health and Environment Learning Coaches, Victoria Painting, whose thought-provoking blog was recently selected as the winning entry in the vocL Emerging Leaders Programme competition.

Victoria’s blog, “We’re Not Failing to Train People. We’re Training the Wrong Things in the Wrong Way”, explores a challenge faced by many organisations and highlights the importance of developing genuine workplace capability, rather than simply measuring qualifications and course completions.

Drawing on her experience as both a Safety, Health and Environment professional and Learning Coach, Victoria discusses the value of work-based learning, coaching, and real-world experiences in helping individuals turn knowledge into practical skills. Her blog argues that while qualifications are essential for developing technical knowledge and building strong foundations, true capability is developed through applying learning in the workplace, solving real problems and building confidence through experience.

The blog particularly champions apprenticeships as an effective way to develop capability, enabling individuals to build technical knowledge, professional behaviours and practical skills simultaneously. Victoria explains that the continuous link between knowledge and application is one of the apprenticeship models greatest strengths, as learning becomes part of an apprentice’s everyday role rather than something separate from it. By connecting theory with real workplace challenges, apprenticeships help bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

As part of her prize, Victoria was awarded a mentoring session with Katy Davies, Managing Director of Cap Air Systems. Reflecting on the experience, Victoria shared:

 ‘A key message was the importance of being brave enough to take opportunities while remaining clear about what you want to gain from them. Progression isn’t always about moving up the ladder; sometimes the most valuable growth comes from stepping sideways, trying something new, or taking a route that others might not expect’.

We are incredibly proud of Victoria’s achievement and the recognition she has received through the vocL Emerging Leaders Programme. Her success is a testament to the expertise, passion and commitment she brings to supporting learners every day.

Congratulations, Victoria!

Victoria’s blog is shown below, so please CLICK below to continue reading…..