Vince Wright recently completed his Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship passing with Distinction and talks to Nicky from APA about his experience on the course as a mature learner who made a career change from sales and exports to procurement 5 years ago and is now Interim Supplier Manager for Department for the Environment.
NH. Please describe how we have supported you through your Apprenticeship.
“From the very first day I joined the apprenticeship, although nervous, I didn’t feel overwhelmed as my tutor kept telling me that I could do this and that I was good enough, which built my confidence each time we met. APA took me through each step of the learning process and ensured I was comfortable with the material and understood and checked in with me to see if I had anything that I was struggling with. As I went through each module, I felt very supported, which gave me a huge amount of confidence going into each exam, and although I needed to revise, I felt I had the knowledge to pass.”
NH. Describe the results that this training is having on you personally and as a result on the department you work in/organisation
“People who have known me for a long time have commented on how I look so much more confident not just in work, but also in my personal life. I feel like I have the skills and knowledge to deal with all sorts of situations and working in a small procurement consultancy business where you can be thrown into many different processes, this is a vital skill.”
NH. Can you tell us how the end point assessment went for you?
“I was nervous going into the EPA, I felt that I had the knowledge but there is still a fear of a difficult question, my tutor had reassured me (as she had throughout the course) that I could deal with even the toughest questions. The assessor put me at ease at the start of the assessment which I thought was a nice thing to do and allowed me to talk freely about the topics she raised after my presentation. APA helped prepare me for the presentation and supported me with a review prior to the EPA which again built my confidence and eased my nerves.”
NH. How do you feel now that you have passed the apprenticeship?
“Considering I haven’t been in education for more than 30 years and entering with low self- belief, I feel amazing! This course has given me a sense of achievement, a new self -belief and a sense of direction in my life, as I enter the latter years of employment, which was sadly missing prior to starting the course.”
NH. What do you plan to do next?
“I am going to have a little break to sit back and assess what it is I want to achieve but currently I’m thinking that I am going to start the CIPS level 5 towards the end of the year/early next year.”
NH. What do you think of the support from APA Procurement and Supply Training as a Training Provider for Apprenticeships, and would you recommend us to others?
“I would highly recommend APA to anyone who is looking to take their first steps into the CIPS courses. I have found not only a new sense of self- worth in the workplace but also a new zest for learning.”