Double Distinction for Skills Group Business apprentices

Both Daniel Tapson and Kiera Sandford received the highest possible grades in their Business apprenticeships through Skills Group

Daniel Tapson achieved a Distinction in his Business Team Leading apprenticeship and Kiera Sandford achieved a Distinction in her Business Administration apprenticeship – the highest grade a learner can achieve under the new Apprenticeship Standard. The pair underwent the Standard’s new End Point Assessment, designed to test the key knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to succeed in the profession.

Daniel Tapson, who completed his business programme while working at Lang & Potter in Plympton, says: “The new assessment process was tough; I had to take part in a webinar interview and a professional discussion, as well as put together and present a portfolio on a business project. I’m very pleased with my achievement – the programme has allowed me to progress into a new supervisory role at Lang & Potter, and it has also taught me how to lead a team while properly meeting professional standards”.

Kiera Sandford completed her programme while working at C&P Plastering in Plymouth. Kiera says, “I’m delighted by the result, I was nervous about going through the End Point Assessment as it is so new and therefore there aren’t many previous examples to learn from. Now that I’ve completed my apprenticeship, I’ve been offered a permanent position as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor at C&P; the good thing about a Business programme is that it teaches you lots of transferable skills. I can’t thank C&P Plastering enough for the opportunity and Skills Group for the support!”

Danielle Bentley, Administrator at C&P, directly oversaw Kiera throughout her apprenticeship. Danielle comments, “Massive congratulations to Kiera for the Distinction received in her apprenticeship. This achievement shows the hard work and dedication Kiera has committed to completing the programme and also demonstrates how far she has progressed since starting here. C&P has supported Kiera every step of the way, and we wish her every success in the continuation of her employment with us.”

Sharon Chaffe, Managing Director at Skills Group, comments, “Congratulations to Daniel and Kiera for their fantastic achievements. The new Standard, which distinguishes between a Pass and a Distinction, recognises when learners go the extra mile and Daniel’s and Kiera’s hard work has clearly paid off. Congratulations also to the team here at Skills Group who has supported Daniel and Kiera throughout their apprenticeships. Our team is committed to helping our learners succeed, and this is reflected in the fact that Skills Group has a success rate of 81% compared to the national average of 67.3%. We invite any prospective learner or parent to visit us, tour our state-of-the-art facilities and find out how Skills Group can provide apprenticeships or full-time courses that can help launch your career too.”

Pictured Left to Right: Kiera Sandford with Danielle Bentley, Administrator at C&P Plastering, and Mark Robinson, Senior Production Manager at Lang & Potter, with Daniel Tapson

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