Apprenticeship View: Returning to Learning

As members may have seen from recent social media posts, I have just embarked on a Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship. It is an interesting experience for me to become a learner again having previously worked in ITPs managing apprenticeships and delivery staff, and with AELP as Project Manager for the past 2 ½ years.

Through this apprenticeship I will (hopefully!) achieve a Level 4 APM Project Management qualification in 11 month’s time and go through to End Point Assessment between month 12 and month 18. I have just completed the first off-the-job classroom session so am now fully aware of the remaining off-the-job requirements, the exam and End Point Assessment requirements (presentation and professional discussion) and I have received my first homework assignment (well off the job assignment technically speaking!).

I graduated from Teesside University in 2010 with a BA (Hons) Degree in Education Studies but am still nervous about the exam! I present at meetings and events both nationally and in Europe but am still nervous about the presentation. I have professional discussions every week with colleagues and key stakeholders but am still nervous about…ok you get my drift! But this does make you think about how a new apprentice may feel embarking on their learner journey on an apprenticeship standard without any prior knowledge or experience!! 

So, it’s all systems go for the next 18 months.I’ll update you further on my progress next month!

We also have two more AELP staff members undertaking apprenticeships although they are coming to the end of theirs it is interesting to read their feedback on their experiences of completing their apprenticeship frameworks.

Ana Perozo – Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice: 

“Completing this apprenticeship has helped me in my role with AELP in many ways. I have spent most of my time learning on-the-job. This has allowed me to not only learn and develop the relevant skills to do the job properly, but I have also gained a lot of confidence. Since I started I have been supported by all my colleagues which has made it a lot easier for me to learn. I have experienced a range of things, not only in the office but I have supported the events team with the autumn and spring conference which has been an amazing experience and I have been able to learn about the education sector. After nearly 12 months into the apprenticeship I believe I made the right decision and finally found something that fits into the way I like to learn. To have this experience has made me realise all the opportunities that are now open to me for the future and progressing onto level 4 is definitely on my mind”

Charlotte Hubbard – Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice:

“Completing my apprenticeship has helped me in my role in the events team at AELP because I have gained new skills and knowledge on both business administration and the education sector. Completing Unit 30: Contribute to the organisation of an event has particularly helped me in my role as it has helped me understand event organisation. As part of my apprenticeship I completed a Functional Skills qualification in ICT which has helped me develop my skills further. I have enjoyed completing my apprenticeship as I have been able to get work experience in a role that I wish to pursue and gain a qualification at the same time. Since finishing GCSE’s, A Levels and now my Level 3 Apprenticeship I am looking to concentrate more on my job and work rather than studies but may look to complete a higher level apprenticeship in the future”