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 “My role was created early this year to increase the level of support ATTTO could offer to trainees, ensuring they had a dedicated contact for enquiries, assistance – and perhaps most importantly – encouragement and moral support,” explains Trainee and Modern Apprentice (MA) Mentor, Fou Masun.

“I can help trainees and MAs prepare for upcoming assessments and gain clarity about what is expected of them. This includes responding to queries about everything from qualifications and workplace experience to evidence collection and resources.” 

Fou sees the most important aspect of her role as mentoring and encouraging trainees and Modern Apprentices to complete their requirements on time and achieve their qualifications.

“There are trainees and MAs that I call each month to check on their progress and see how they are doing. I tell them to think of me as their learning buddy. I help by keeping an eye on them and being available to answer questions or provide support. They say they look forward to hearing from me because they know I will encourage their progress and help to keep them on track,” she says.

“It is reassuring to have someone objective supporting them; they seem to take comfort in the fact that I am from outside their workplace. I’m there to help them achieve their goals and they enjoy that support.”

Fou’s role also involves coordinating ‘support workshops’ such as the 2 day Customer Service Courses, encouraging participants to complete requirements in a facilitated, supportive environment. 

She also works closely with Industry Training Advisors (ITAs) and Workplace Assessors, ensuring that each business has a complete suite of support for their training.

Previously working as a tourism and travel tutor at a training provider, Fou joined ATTTO as an ITA in 2006 before moving into her current role.

“I enjoyed helping businesses through the training process but my passion lies with helping trainees and Modern Apprentices achieve. I love the satisfaction of seeing a person first start out and then seeing them achieve unit standards or a qualification,” says Fou.

“The most rewarding part of my role is when people say my support has made a real difference to them and has helped them achieve what they set out to do.”

Looking to the future, Fou says she would love to see the role expand to offer more services to trainees and MAs.

“I want to take the lessons we have learned so far this year to grow and improve the service we can offer. I also want to see more people achieving their goals and completing their qualifications,” concludes Fou.

 
Fou can be contacted for trainee or Modern Apprentice support or enquiries on 04 815 9824 or