Yuliia Bezrukova – Category Buyer – GNFR Procurement for Specsavers has recently completed the first part of her End Point Assessment for the new Level 6 Apprenticeship, the first person to do so, ever!
NH: Firstly, congratulations for smashing the Level 6 Apprenticeship professional discussion and presentation! Can you tell me what you think the key is to successfully completing these assessments?
YB: Thank you so much! the key to successfully completing the Level 6 assessments was to gain absolute clarity on what was being assessed, combined with disciplined preparation. As the first individual to complete these assessments, I was working through the programme while guidance was still evolving which resulted in me spending more time to fully understand the assessment criteria and mapping my workplace experience directly against them.
And my second focus was practicing, repeatedly refining the portfolio and presentation. I rewrote my summaries several times, practised presenting to 7 colleagues, and rehearsed answering questions in real time with both my tutor, Ian, and Amanda at APA.
NH: Now that you are close to completion of the whole apprenticeship programme, what do you think are the main benefits of doing this Senior Level programme for yourself and your employer?
YB: For myself, the Apprenticeship has certainly improved my professional presence and presentation skills. Many aspects of procurement and supply management that I had absorbed naturally through experience became more evident the more selecting, articulating and evidencing my knowledge, skills and behaviours I’ve done. This helped me recognise that what I deliver day-to-day aligns with best-in-class procurement practice.
For my employer, the apprenticeship has brought greater visibility of my capability and impact. It has supported internal career development and succession planning process, and I have since been entrusted with larger, global tender projects. I was recently asked to lead on establishing gold-standard procurement processes and governance in one global tender project, reflecting the trust placed in my judgement and approach as a result of completing the programme.
NH: It can’t have been easy being the first to do this programme, but did you feel that you have been well supported by us through it?
YB: Yes, I can confidently say that I was well supported looking back. Ian was particularly great at identifying gaps in my knowledge, skills and behaviours, and guiding me towards practical ways of addressing them.
As someone who prefers to understand the full picture from the outset, I did initially find it challenging that detailed assessment guidance was released by CIPS while I was already partway through the programme. However, APA supported me extremely well during this period of uncertainty.
As the assessments approached, the bi-weekly progress and feedback sessions with Ian were invaluable. I consistently felt able to ask for support when needed, and it was always provided. Whenever I asked for support, it was always provided. That level of reassurance made a significant difference.
NH: What are the next steps for you now that you have nearly completed the programme? Do you think there are opportunities to use your knowledge and skills to progress in your career?
YB: Having completed Levels 4, 5 and 6 over five years, with two six-month study breaks along the way, I guess a break from studying is well deserved now 😊 My immediate next step is to achieve Chartered status following the award of MCIPS. And in a couple of years I may consider progressing from my Bachelor’s degree to a Master’s.
Professionally, I am now involved in larger-scale global tendering projects across new to me categories. Completing the apprenticeship has undoubtedly raised my profile within the organisation and positioned me well for future career opportunities.