Learning & Development Student Stories:
CIPD Student Stories: Gemma Arnold | CIPD Level 5 Review

As someone with a love for learning, Gemma wanted to enhance her career with a professional qualification. That's when she found the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in L&D with us. Learn more about her experience below! 

I currently work as a Training and Implementation Specialist in the IT industry but spent many years prior to this as a professional educator delivering work-based learning.

I was looking to branch out and understand how I could apply my knowledge and experience in a more commercial sense.  I love all things learning and development but don’t want to return to a role in government-funded education or have to suffer another Ofsted inspection!

A quick search online pointed me in the direction of the ICS Learn website and after having looked through the options and speaking with one of their representatives to find the best match for me, I enroled on to the Level 5 Diploma in Learning & Development.

Initially, I had many doubts about completing this via online learning.

I recently completed my PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification online and found it quite challenging, however, the reviews and testimonials, plus the reassurance of the ICS Learn staff made me feel that this was going to be a good fit. I also took advantage of the offer in November so managed to enrol at a reduced rate.

I won’t lie, there have been times when I have felt like I couldn’t do it but I have swallowed my pride, contacted my tutor, and always received a really supportive response and the right guidance to get me back on track. 

I'm completing this in my own time without any assistance from my fairly demanding job so the flexibility of an online course works well for me as I can do more when I have the time, and pull back when I have less.

3 units in and I feel like I'm on the right path to gaining the knowledge that I need to take my career in the direction I want to. I have learned new things already and know that I will take a lot away from this.

Inspired by Gemma's story? Develop your career with a professional L&D qualification that you can complete from home. Download your free CIPD course guide.