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Apprenticeship: Business Administrator Level 3
Written by: Graham Curry

Jack started his career with Darlington Borough Council in Building Services as an Apprentice, working towards the Business Administrator Level 2 Apprenticeship Framework with Learning & Skills Darlington. This course was completed within the 12 months and 1 day timescale and he progressed onto the Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard. This course involved the new End Point Assessment (EPA) method to ensure all the skills, knowledge and behaviour requirements are at the required standard on completion of the course.

Jack wished to progress within the Council onto his Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship as he wanted to further his knowledge and the felt the new role would help develop his administration skills and knowledge. Over the duration of the Level 3 Apprenticeship numerous topics were covered, which helped to build an understanding of what was required throughout. This included working with stakeholders, writing official documents and creating data in spreadsheets, all of which was beneficial to his daily work. Jack stated he benefitted from being pushed out of his comfort zone during the course. This included delivering presentations in front of other apprentices and group discussions, which everyone could participate in. Carrying out these actions helped Jack gain confidence over time and become more comfortable around others. The course not only helped Jack develop professionally but personally too, with a noticeable change in both confidence, communication skills and improvement of knowledge. Jack held both his tutors, Kirsty Hitch (BA L2) and Barbara Steggles (BA L3) in high regard for their support and the way they helped him develop to be more independent so that he didn’t fully rely on them.

Over the duration of both Apprenticeships, delivered by Learning & Skills, Jack has worked for Darlington Borough Council in two departments. During his Level 3 Apprenticeship Jack was offered a full-time role with Corporate Landlord, where he continues to work today. Jack stated there are opportunities within this role to progress further and expand his knowledge. He felt the course was very beneficial to anyone who is looking to gain knowledge and potentially fulltime employment. All tutors on the course are very helpful and will always make time to support the learners when required.

Jack is quoted as saying ‘I really enjoyed my time training with Learning & Skills Darlington, they made it really interesting for me and it really helped whilst moving up within my role. I would never have achieved this if I hadn’t applied to the Council for an Apprentice role after leaving school. This is the best thing I have done.’

Apprenticeship: Operational or Departmental Management Level 5

Graham had worked for Learning & Skills Darlington for 9 years as a Motor Vehicle Trainer / Assessor but always aspired to move into management. An opportunity arose to join the Operational or Departmental Management Level 5 Apprenticeship, which was being delivered by Learning & Skills Darlington.

During the course there were several barriers which Graham had to overcome. These included being able to allocate 20% of the working week to his Apprenticeship studies and being unable to locate his proof of GCSE English and maths grades. Graham’s Line Manager, Ian Saunders, was very supportive and agreed set periods during the week to enable Graham to work towards both the Apprenticeship and Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths. Ian also authorised Graham to be involved in some financial elements of the Service to ensure he gained experience in this area. Graham stated he joined the course to develop his own management skills, knowledge and behaviours in the hope of a managerial position becoming available in the Local Authority. The development of English and maths skills also assisted in his teaching role when giving feedback to his Motor Vehicle Apprentices.

The ODM L5 Apprenticeship curriculum was designed to ensure Graham developed skills, knowledge and behaviours in operational management, project management, finance, leading / managing people, building relationships, communication, decision making, management of self and awareness of self. During the course Graham successfully applied for the position of Learning & Skills Apprenticeship Manager. He stated that being able to put the theory into practice in his new role and developing his own mindset has helped him settle into the role. The course helped Graham analyse his awareness and management of self and gain a greater understanding of how to get the best out of his staff. He has found using the knowledge and feedback from peers, during 360° analysis, he has become a better manager.

Graham is now the Apprenticeship Manager for Learning & Skills Darlington, managing 7 staff and using the skills developed during the course to get the best from his team to ensure the apprenticeship provision is a success. Graham stated although, at times, the course was difficult he has gained so much personally and professional.

Apprenticeship: Teaching Assistant Level 3
Written by: Michaela Peacock

Siobhan was a mum of five, in her mid-forties, who felt her life was not going forward and wanted to help her children with their homework. She found learning at school very hard work as a child, as she struggled to concentrate and was easily distracted. Siobhan had to overcome the barrier of returning to studying, as she was not very confident, and couldn’t face college. By her own admission she was not computer literate but overcame this by working towards Functional Skills 2 in ICT, Maths and English during the course.

Siobhan worked towards the Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools with Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills. She stated she learnt so much on the course including Children’s behaviour, emotional and social needs, School organisation, Safeguarding, Equality and diversity, Children’s health and safety, plus much more. Siobhan developed her ICT skills to enable her to complete the course using the online portal with very little effort once the tutor had demonstrated its use. Siobhan benefitted from the immediate response from her tutor if a problem arose or feedback from work submitted. Working towards the apprenticeship meant being paid to study while working in a school environment to put the theory into practice. She stated the main benefit from the course was learning a different approach in teaching children with disabilities, as she had a keen interest in working with disabled children.

If Siobhan had not started this course, she would not have been able to follow her dream of working with children in the school environment. She was already completing some voluntary reading at the school  before deciding she wanted to go further into working as a Teaching Assistant. On completion of the course Siobhan was offered a full-time position at St Teresa’s Primary as a Teaching Assistant, stating she has loved every minute of it, gained so much more confidence and making a close family of friends. She conducted group sessions and 1:1s with disabled children, including those with autism, some in wheelchairs and other learning / physical disabilities.

Since completing the course it has given Siobhan the confidence to go forward and complete more level 2 courses, including: Common Health Conditions in Children, Understanding Autism, Understanding Mental Health in Children and Understanding Behaviour in Children. The apprenticeship experience has given Siobhan the drive to take her studies further and she now wishes to start a biology course.

Apprenticeship: Business Administration Level 4
Written by: Amy Bennet and Amanda Kennedy-Stephens

Amy joined Learning & Skills straight from school undertaking an Apprenticeship in Business Administration at Level 2 with a placement within the busy Business Support Team at the Coleridge Centre.

Although initially really shy and quiet, Amy’s confidence went from strength to strength and she quickly moved onto her Level 3 in Business Administration as well as securing a permanent position at L&S. Amy took on more and more responsibility and has become an essential member of the team with a vast amount of knowledge and skills. She then wanted to “ progress further with my business admin qualifications and wanted to do the Level 4 course to progress as I had done level 2 and level 3”. Amy has just completed with a great portfolio of evidence and high praise from the external quality assurer.

Although Amy was on her own within the cohort, she was also supported by a previous Level 4 group, who were there to answer questions, offer guidance from their area of work if Amy was unsure of specific Local Authority information and several also attended a presentation on Sustainability in Business that Amy prepared and delivered. This was all whilst working from home using the Teams platform.

Other elements of the course that Amy has really embraced within her role was Customer Service as her job is very customer centered. Amy works across several sites for L&S and supports both learners and staff in every way possible and always with a smile. This helped to support Amy extend her role undertaking some employer engagement, which she was excellent at, speaking to and working with current and new employers in the local area.

Amy says “…when on the course I covered lots of units which linked to my job role, for example the communication unit which covered effective communication with stakeholders. As I am part of the Business Support Team and work on reception this gave me tips on how to communicate effectively with our customers which is something I do every day. I benefitted from  every aspect of the course, as every unit I completed linked to my role and how the work was given to me. I feel that in completing this course my confidence has grown in my role, therefore, if I had not have completed the course this wouldn’t have happened. Amanda was great throughout the course and really helped me and supported me through each unit, thank you.“

Amy also demonstrated, with confidence, a new online Management information System which she helped to develop and implement related to learner enrolments; this was a new system introduced due to the changes needed to enrol remotely throughout Covid. Amy showed that she is adaptable and manages change really well and has even supported other staff to use the system.

Despite a global pandemic and all lessons being undertaken online, Amy’s determination to progress and succeed have seen her reach her goals. She left home, moving into a lovely new apartment and has even recently got engaged. Well done Amy!!

Apprenticeship: Motor Vehicle Mechanics Level 3
Written by: Graham Curry

Scott initially started the Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 2 Pre-Apprenticeship on recommendation of his brother, Jonathan, who was also on the same course.

Scott had previously completed a sports science course at a local college, was unsure of which career he wanted and had no motor vehicle experience prior to joining the course in September 2016. He was concerned about his lack of experience or whether this vocational area interested him. He was asked to give this area a try and informed Learning & Skills would help move him to another further educational area or help with applying for fulltime job opportunities if this was not the course for him. He agreed, attending the training centre two days per week and after demonstrating an excellent attitude towards the course, excellent timekeeping and attendance record he was offered a work experience position at a local garage, North Road Garage, for three days per week.

During his time with Learning & Skills and North Road Garage Scott linked his on and off the job training to develop his knowledge of motor vehicle systems and practical skills. He completed the Pre-Apprenticeship course in July 2017, gaining a Level 2 Diploma on light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. Scott had impressed the garage owner so much he was immediately offered a full-time employment and a place on the Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 2 Apprenticeship.

Over the next 12 months Scott further developed his knowledge and practical skills. He passed a range of practical assessments in the workplace by demonstrating his ability to remove, refit or replace faulty components and maintain vehicle systems. Scott also passed NVQ Level 2, Functional Skills Level 1 in ICT, with Learning & Skills, and gained the full Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair in July 2018.

Scott expressed an interest in joining the Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship and with the support of his employer started this course in September 2018. During this course Scott developed his faulty finding knowledge/ skills, further developed his overall knowledge of vehicle systems and practical skills. Scott required his Functional Skills Level 2 in ICT, which he passed with Learning & Skills, as part of the Apprenticeship. He continued to develop and impress, passing all his Level 3 Motor Vehicle exams with Distinctions in the process. Scott completed Advanced Apprenticeship in January 2020 and, due to his commitment to the course and employer, progressed onto full time employment with North Road Garage. He wished to become a MOT tester but an entry requirement, of 4 years full time employment in the motor trade, has not yet been fulfilled. He will achieve his goal of becoming a MOT authorised examiner in July 2021. This has been a massive achievement for someone with no previous motor vehicle experience, unsure of career ambitions and just goes to show a little direction and effort can result in a very successful career in the motor trade.

Apprenticeship: Site Joinery Level 3
Written by: Chris Burney

Robert started with Learning & Skills in June 2020 on the Apprenticeship in Carpentry & Joinery programme. Prior to this he worked in a call centre part time but wanted to learn a trade and had always been interested in hands on work. Robert enjoyed Design & Technology at school and enjoys building different projects as he finds this a challenge.

Robert has a strong work ethic and passion to succeed, however when he first started on the training programme he lacked confidence in his abilities both as a joiner as he struggled to complete tasks to the required tolerances and found it hard to communicate effectively with his work colleagues.

As Robert has progressed through the course his confidence has grown incredibly quick over the last few months and he has been able to support his peers during several joinery related tasks. Since starting he has already gained experience in roofing work, hanging doors, laying suspended timber flooring, installing stud walling and pipe boxing which is proving vital to the development of his ability to work within the construction industry.

Robert enjoys the work that he had completed on the course so far and has received excellent praise and reviews from his colleagues and management team.

Robert would like to continue his training further and progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship with his employer and Learning & Skills. He would then like to progress to university to complete an HNC/HND in Construction and the Built Environment.

Apprenticeship: Site Joinery
Written by: Chris Burney (Tutor)

Jason started with Learning & Skills in August 2020 on the Apprenticeship in Carpentry & Joinery programme. Prior to this Jason was employed at the Vue and had also worked in student loans and at Lidl. However he was excited to see that there was an opportunity to gain an apprenticeship and have a chance to work for Darlington Borough Council as he saw this as an excellent way to gain full time employment with job security as he would always be able to work if he had a trade. Jason chose carpentry and joinery as he enjoyed Design and Technology at school and was always pleased when he created a project.

Jason has struggled initially as he lacked confidence in his abilities and found it hard to complete tasks to the required tolerances. He is also quiet and finds it difficult to communicate effectively with new members of the team.

Jason is making excellent progress towards his carpentry and joinery apprenticeship and he has gained experience in roofing work, hanging doors, laying suspended timber flooring, installing stud walling and pipe boxing which is helping him to develop his ability to work within the construction industry. He is now able to complete tasks to the required tolerances as his skills have improved at measuring and conversions and being able to use the tools correctly.

Jason would like to continue his training further and progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship with Learning & Skills and gain full time employment with his employer.

Apprenticeship: Business Administration

Helen never felt like she fit in at school and was bullied throughout. Due to this she lacked concentration and her confidence suffered. She says “If I got a list of instructions, I would struggle to remember more than two of them”

Helen went to College and University. Although not officially diagnosed, Helens tutor felt that many of Helens issues came from Dyslexia and unfortunately Helen didn’t end up completing the course.

Helen now works as a Contact Team Coordinator and as a Contact Support Officer for Darlington Borough Council at Harewood House. Helen Co-Manages the Team as well as working with families who are accessing supported contact, a challenging and rewarding job.

Her Manager, Alison Poulter, praises Helen saying “Helen is disciplined in her approach to her work, setting goals and targets and making sure there is a plan in place to achieve this. Helen is always enthusiastic about each task she carries out and is also enthusiastic about any opportunity to improve the service or help other areas of the overall service.”

Helen started on her Level 4 Business Apprenticeship in 2020, where she has learned about aspects of Managing People, Business Operations as well as how to Communicate Effectively and Deliver Presentations to groups. She says “I'm very wary of starting courses as my lack of concentration affects my moods so I have often given up on courses if I feel I have fallen behind". However, Helen is nearly finished her course and has received excellent feedback on all of her work. She gets on brilliantly with her group and they all love to hear her talk about her outward-bound activities. Helens’ confidence has grown from strength to strength and her course work is brilliant. "I am enjoying the course and feel well supported from both Amanda (Tutor) and Alison my Manger”.

Helen has shown that despite having some barriers to learning such as bad experiences at school, a lack of confidence and Dyslexia, this doesn’t have to stop you learning and achieving, especially when you do an Apprenticeship because you are learning about things that help you in your job and the things you know from your job help you with your course work.

Apprenticeship: Teaching and Learning in Schools

Aimee Walmsley, who is currently completing an Advanced Apprenticeship in Specialist Support Teaching and Learning in Schools is currently employed by Harrowgate Hill Primary School in Darlington.

"I have gained lots of experience working with children of different ages. I have also learnt how to deliver maths and English interventions and to deliver SALT interventions.

I have gained confidence when helping and teaching the children. I have gained new friendships and I have gained more knowledge with the national curriculum. But most importantly I have learnt that not even a national pandemic will stop the children from learning, yes they might not all be sat at a desk doing their work but as a school we have come together to make online schooling work using various methods such as zooms and paper packs sent out to parents and children.

We haven't let a pandemic stop us we have taken it on the chin and adapted to it."

Apprenticeship: Business Administration

At 16 I left school to start Sixth Form. Due to difficult personal circumstances, I ended up only leaving Sixth Form with one A-Level. At this point, I knew that I just wanted to enter the working world as opposed to being stuck in a classroom doing another year of something that I was not enjoying.

I decided that I would look for an apprenticeship so that I was able to work, study and learn at the same time, however I had never really been made aware of the apprentice route and what was available. I applied online for a Business Administration Level 3 apprenticeship. I completed the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship within a local law firm.

Throughout my time on the course I was offered a lot of support and guidance from Learning and Skills. I enjoyed the working environment much more than the idea of further education at university. The longer I worked at the law firm, the more I became passionate about my work and I realised that I had discovered a passion for the law.

My mentor Barbara was a massive support with this as we frequently discussed options available to me following completion of my apprenticeship. The skills I developed within this time were invaluable to my career so far. I was able to develop skills such as dealing with difficult clients, working as a team with colleagues, client care skills, organisational skills, commercial awareness and further my knowledge of legal systems within the firm.

After a year of making connections through my job with various other legal professionals, I was approached by a firm who was recruiting for a Solicitor Apprentice. I am now studying law at Northumbria University while working as an Apprentice Solicitor at Watson Woodhouse Solicitors. I will be a qualified solicitor in 2025.

I would not be at this stage of my career if it was not for the help of Learning & Skills. I could not recommend this route enough for anybody who is unsure on their path. The opportunities available to you following your apprenticeship are unlimited. Full time education is not for everyone, and if you feel this way, there are a lot of other options available to you.

Apprenticeship: Teaching and Learning in Schools

Bobby Dobbs, who completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Specialist Support Teaching and Learning in Schools is now employed in the Special Educational Needs team with Durham County Council.

“I started my apprenticeship purely to get an insight into the day to day life within a school and to see if that was a career I would like to peruse. I had already worked in schools, as a volunteer during sixth form, working on the arts as part of the drama group I was in and this is what sparked the interest of working in education. Already knowing that I wanted to work with special needs, I thought that this would be a great chance at starting some sort of career path. I loved my apprenticeship and I would do it all over again if I could.

In late 2018, I gained employment through Durham County Council. Although it’s not in education, it is working with people who have SEN. My job is to help them find employment, whilst helping develop their skills for that role - very different to what I loved doing last year however, thanks to my qualification, I could return to a school (or try many other things) if it doesn’t work out for me with the council.

A huge part of why I have loved the last year is the constant contact and support I received from my tutor and Learning & Skills and I could not recommend them enough.”

Apprenticeship: Site Joinery

Jack started with Learning & Skills in November 2018 on the Intermediate Apprenticeship in Site Carpentry. Jack was unhappy in his role as a customer service advisor and applied for the apprenticeship vacancy as he had previous experience working on site and really enjoyed this type of work. Prior to this Jack had attended Longfield School and had to cope with a number of challenging aspects in his family life from a young age. These had a negative effect on his attendance, concentration, behaviour and overall mental health.

Although Jack had a strong work ethic and was confident in talking to others, he lacked confidence in his own abilities which led to him becoming often frustrated with his progress and success. While attending his apprenticeship, strategies were put in place to support Jack with these issues including 1:1 support, meetings with the service mentor, partnership working with local support groups, regular breaks, effective timetabling, and attendance monitoring. As an added pressure, Jack was also required to upskill his maths and English levels which were embedded into his programme. Progress was discussed regularly with his tutor both at the centre and at work. 

As Jack progressed through the course his confidence in his abilities has grown and he has since developed an excellent working relationship with his employer Mark Durham at FM Joinery & Building Services. He is now a vital member of the team who his employer relies upon to carry out his job and promote his business when working with and around customers every day. 

Jack has recently completed the remainder of his Intermediate Apprenticeship throughout the COVID-19 pandemic using electronic communications with no means of face to face learning which Jack believes to be a fundamental aspect of his education. He would like to continue his training further and progress onto the Advanced Apprenticeship programme at Learning & Skills. Jack is due to commence his new programme in May.

Apprenticeship: Business Administration