Discover how Dionne transformed her career in Learning & Development
“This course helped me step back, spot my weaker areas, and hold myself accountable for developing them. It’s been a great way to push myself and keep growing.”
👧 Name: Dionne Todd
💼 Job Title: L&D Specialist
🏢 Employer: Stonegate Group
🎓 Course: Level 3 Learning & Development Practitioner Apprenticeship
⏳ Experience: 5 years in Learning & Development
🌟 Key Achievements: Improved planning & prioritisation, deeper understanding of the training lifecycle, reignited passion for L&D
About Dionne
Dionne is a Learning and Development (L&D) Specialist from Newcastle, working at Stonegate Group, with five years’ experience in Learning & Development. She has worked across the full spectrum of L&D, from designing and delivering training to evaluating its impact.
Career Journey
After leaving school without a clear career path, Dionne started working in hospitality, splitting her time between a café and a bar. What began as a temporary job quickly turned into a passion. By 19, she was a team leader, and by 22, she had progressed to deputy manager. Eventually, Dionne transitioned into Learning & Development, where she discovered a love for helping others grow professionally.
Dionne now splits her week between admin and training. Mondays and Fridays are for planning, marking, and emails, while the rest of the week is spent delivering inductions, workshops, and development sessions for teams across the business.
Why She Chose the Apprenticeship
Dionne took the Level 3 Learning & Development Practitioner Apprenticeship to advance her career and pick up new skills.
“It’s easy to keep going without thinking about where you could improve,” she explains. “This course helped me step back, spot my weaker areas, and hold myself accountable for developing them. It’s been a great way to push myself and keep growing.”
What She Enjoyed Most About the Course
The research tasks were a highlight for Dionne.
“The workshops introduce different L&D frameworks, and then I could deepen my understanding through self-directed learning. It felt a bit like being back at school but in a way that’s directly relevant to my career.”
She also values the support of her tutor:
“Nicki’s patience, warmth, and knowledge made this experience positive and enjoyable. I really appreciate all the guidance she provided.”
Impact on Her Career
The course has helped Dionne reflect on her practice, develop her skills, and reignite her passion for learning and development. She has gained a greater understanding of the full training lifecycle, enhanced her planning and prioritisation skills, and become more organised and focused in her role.
Looking Ahead
With her renewed enthusiasm for Learning & Development, Dionne is already considering progressing to Level 5 Learning and Development Consultant/Business Partner apprenticeship and continuing her professional growth.