“Distinction” Result in New Business Assessment

Rose-Marie Marsh achieved a “Distinction” in her Business Administration Apprenticeship End Point Assessment, while training at Skills Group and working at Church View Surgery in Plymstock.

The End Point Assessment (EPA) is a brand new rigorous testing process forming part of the apprenticeship reforms that are being rolled out nationally. The EPA and Apprenticeship Standard replace Frameworks, and are designed to develop and test the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to succeed in the profession.

Rose-Marie comments: “I wanted to pursue a career in the health care industry as it is very rewarding being able to help people. In my previous employment I always preferred the business and administrative roles. Therefore, the opportunity to complete my Business Administration apprenticeship at the surgery was a perfect fit for me. I am very proud that I achieved a Distinction and the result has boosted my self-confidence in my abilities to perform well”.

For the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship, Rose-Marie had to complete work-based assignments and run her own project. For this, she chose to create a monthly staff newsletter with the aim of improving internal communication and boosting morale with good news stories. Rose-Marie also had to plan and hold her own meetings, including video conferencing, and take part in recorded verbal discussions and observations.

Chloe Fenner-Smith, Operations Manager at Church View Surgery, comments, “Rose-Marie has done extremely well gaining her Distinction whilst successfully learning many of the aspects of surgery administrative roles. This has enabled Rose-Marie to be multi skilled within the surgery and also now have a nationally recognised qualification behind her. We are all very proud of the achievement Rose-Marie has accomplished, well done!”

Rose-Marie has now been offered a permanent position at Church View Surgery as a Medical Administrator. She says: “I am delighted to have been offered a position at the surgery and look forward to my future career here. I would like to build on my experience and hopefully move up into more senior positions. Thank you to Skills Group for such a wonderful opportunity and I hope to progress onto my Level 4 Business Administration qualification”.

Sharon Chaffe, Managing Director at Skills Group comments, “We are proud of Rose-Marie’s success. The Distinction highlights her hard work and commitment to her training, as well as recognising our dedicated team and their efforts in preparing our learners for the EPA at our state-of-the-art training facilities. Congratulations also to the team at Church View Surgery who has supported Rose-Marie throughout her employment. Rose-Marie is proof that apprenticeships work, combining on-the-job training with study to ensure the learner receives a thorough and practical start to their career. We look forward to following Rose-Marie’s progress in the future”.

Pictured (Left to Right): Rose-Marie Marsh and Chloe Fenner-Smith, Operations Manager at Church View Surgery

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School