Two Business students at Solihull College & University Centre have been awarded distinctions in their apprenticeships after being assessed using new remote invigilating techniques brought in following the lockdown.
Mature student Lucy Sheridan completed an advanced Business Administrator apprenticeship. Lucy works full time for NHS Health Education England supporting the appraisal process for medical trainees to help them become consultants.
Lucy has enjoyed her experience returning to college. She comments: “I have enjoyed the experience of returning back to learning, challenging the grey brain cells, and exploring new working opportunities. Working for the NHS during these unprecedented times has given me a lot of pride in my contribution to help support those on the front line, and appreciation of those who put others first every day.”
Lucy started the apprenticeship in May 2018 and completed it in April 2020. She adds: “My tutor Kim has been a task master – pushing me in order to achieve a distinction. She has supported me through the good times as well as some personal challenges. I thank her for her motivation and knowledge.”
The awarding body amended the options to include remote invigilating due to the coronavirus crisis. College tutor Kim Blackman spent time with the apprentices preparing them for this change and undertaking mock remote assessments.
Hannah Brown, 20, carried out her Business apprenticeship at Xoserve Solihull. Hannah states: “My experience has been really positive. The apprenticeship has enabled me to gain essential office skills within the working environment. My biggest achievement is that I have successfully achieved a distinction and completed my course early. Being given the opportunity to complete my end point assessment remotely has enabled me to focus my full attention on the permanent job role that I have recently secured at Xoserve.”
Both Hannah and Lucy understand the value of an apprenticeship. Lucy states: “I would fully recommend any apprenticeship no matter what age or experience you may have, as it gave me a platform to engage with my senior management team, enabling me to be recognised for my ability as well as my qualification.”
Kim Blackman, Business Administration & Customer Service Assessor/IQA adds: “Microsoft Teams meetings have replaced visits so I am able to give tuition on the various units of the qualification. Adjusting the way in which students are learning and being assessed means that they should not fall behind.”
