Qualifications & Apprenticeships Manager Review

I manage the qualifications centre and apprenticeships academy with a team of advisors. We support the delivery of qualifications across the business between levels 2-5 and help our young apprenticeships to develop their skills and gain experience whilst completing a nationally recognised qualification. My role is very diverse and includes project management, networking and coaching and mentoring. I love the diversity of the role.

I have been lucky enough to complete new qualifications to support my role and increase my knowledge and understanding of the sector. I have now completed my Level 4 Internal Quality Assurers qualification and a Level 2 Understanding the Use of Medication in Health and Social Care certificate. I am currently completing a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management. Anchor offer great training to support career development and progression.

I enjoy the programme as it makes me think and reflect on how I carry out my role and work with others. It gives me the knowledge and understanding of management practices and models which link well to what I do in my day-to-day role and I am able to demonstrate these skills to support my qualification. I am given the time I need to complete my apprenticeship including time in college to attend lectures. The programme is very challenging at Level 5 but I wanted to stretch myself in this area.

I feel very valued by Anchor who invest a lot in their colleagues as a not for profit business. Anchor work hard to keep you engaged and always ensure you are kept up to date with business updates. I have been with Anchor for 2.5 years now and have developed a good network of friends and colleagues within the business and externally though industry networks.

My programme is well structured with monthly lectures and targets to ensure I keep on track. There are materials available online along with a library of resources and access to tutors and support outside of lectures. I worked with my assessor to put a plan together from which to work towards and keep me on track and ensured the units chosen linked to my role.

I receive regular update and contact from my provider, including quality reviews. I know who to contact if I need any support and when I can go in to speak to my assessor if I want more face to face time. I always receive feedback from my assessor on work completed and they are very understanding of work commitments whilst also ensuring we stay on track.

Anchor are very supportive in allowing me to complete this Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership & Management. I am given the time off to complete the work I need and the opportunity to be involved in projects/activities to support me in evidencing my practice where needed. I am able to discuss progress against targets with my manager and also any concerns I may have with the learning.

My salary package meets my costs well. I was employed by Anchor prior to completing my apprenticeship as I am completing a higher level apprenticeship. This supports my career development and helps me improve my performance in my role. I do not have to pay towards this qualification and it is supported by my employer.

There are lots of opportunities outside of work to attend networking events, industry events, careers events and awards ceremonies. I was lucky to attend the finals of the 2017-18 RateYourApprenticeship Top 100 Employers event this year where Anchor were named the Number 1 Employer of Apprenticeships in the UK by our apprentices.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Anchor to a friend and I have family members living in Anchor housing. Anchor are a not for profit charity who put their customers at the heart of everything they do. They invest any profits back into the business on their customers and colleagues and you feel like you are making a difference every day.

Ensure you have a well-presented CV which sells you and your skills and clearly demonstrates the responsibilities you have had in previous roles and stakeholders you have worked with. Look for opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the sector and always continue to develop yourself professionally, be this through reading or completing qualifications.