What is good customer service in marketing?

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When marketing products and services, you need to be prepared to engage with customers. Rather than send a one-way marketing message, good digital marketing campaigns should engage customers.

Campaigns should hook customers and entice them to find out more about your products and/or services.

When customers get in touch you need to be prepared to respond efficiently to their enquiries using a range of platforms. This could be on email, through your website, or using social media.

respond efficiently to their customer service enquiries

Any good sales or marketing team will be ready to handle customer enquiries and respond to these in a professional manner. Being prepared for this by having customer service and social media policies in place makes this so much easier.

As an apprentice on the digital marketer standard, you need to demonstrate that you can “respond efficiently to enquiries using online and social media platforms.”

So, what does good customer service look like?

To make sure your customers get what they need, it is important to have a clear plan in place to respond to every individual request. Here is a 6-step approach to make sure that every customer enquiry is managed effectively.

  1. Have clear policies in place to provide a consistent level of customer service
  2. Understand and categories the type of enquiry
  3. Know the individual customer
  4. Gather any information to provide the customer with everything that they need
  5. Respond as quickly as you can
  6. Provide follow up contact details and information

Now let’s have a look at each of these in more detail.

Have clear policies in place to provide a consistent level of customer service

Whilst it’s important to treat each customer as an individual, it is essential to also have a consistent and fair approach to make sure everyone gets the same level of service.

Ensuring that there are agreed customer service and social media policies to define how everyone in your organisation responds to customers is a great idea. These should outline things like the tone of voice and a clear strategy on how to approach each customer enquiry.

policies to provide a consistent level of customer service

Making sure that a high-level customer service approach is available, agreed on and regularly updated will make you maintain a consistent approach in the first instance.

Understand and categories the type of enquiry

To respond to customer enquiries as efficiently as possible, the first thing that you should do is categories the type of enquiry. Having defined types of customer service enquiries such as: request for information; complaint; advocate; common enquiry; etc. is an excellent starting point.

If your organisation is aware of the types of enquiries, it can further develop a strategy for dealing with these in the quickest and simplest way possible.

categories customer service enquiries

There can be some very quick turnarounds if you effectively categories enquiries and deal with the simple and common requests as quickly as possible. This can keep the caseload down and result in more and more customers that are satisfied with the quick turnaround.

Obviously a CRM system would be an effective tool to help achieve this and links into the next point.

Know the individual customer

As the first point mentions, having a high-level strategy and clear policies are important. Additionally, good customer service agents will use everything that they know about each individual customer to provide customised service.

customer service treating everyone as an individual

Think of a time when you got a copy/pasted reply to an enquiry compared to one where it was clear that the responder had taken the time to get to know you and your individual case. Was there a big difference? We’re sure that you’ll agree that there is normally a massive difference with this type of approach. That’s not to say that generic copy/paste or automated responses cannot be effective to provide an initial acknowledgement of the customer service request.

Building up a knowledge bank on each customer at every touchpoint and managing this information will allow you to tailor each response for the individual.

Gather any information to provide the customer with everything that they need

We’ve previously mentioned having high-level policies, categorising enquiries and getting to know the customer. The next step is to make sure that you gather the information that the customer needs to satisfy their request. You need to organise this information in a clear and concise manner so that it can be communicated effectively.

gathering information

For complaints, you might need more detailed investigation whereas you may also have a knowledge bank of custom responses that can help you deal with common requests. Using this information along with what you know about the customer, means that you will be able to provide the most effective response.

Respond as quickly as you can

It goes without saying really, that getting back to a customer service enquiry as quickly as possible will go a long way to keeping customers happy.

That being said, make sure that you cover everything that is needed before providing a hasty response. Those extra few minutes can make all the difference between a completely satisfied customer and someone that will come back with a further enquiry.

good customer service means responding quickly

One thing we mentioned previously was automated responses. These can be effective as an acknowledgement of receiving an enquiry but should be used sparingly so that your approach is personalised.

Provide follow up with contact details and information

When you have followed your customer service policy and formatted a response that will meet the customers need, you should not always leave it at that.

Provide clear and concise information on how they can take next steps to get them where they or you would like them to be can make all the difference.

Having a clear call to action that could push them to buy or even just provide an easier method to get in touch can be a much more effective approach that just trying to close off a customer service case.

following up

Being proactive and going out of your way to go the extra mile for the customer whether they have contacted you with a complaint or compliment really does add the personal touch.

Conclusion

Here we have look at what is good customer service and how you can use and effective strategy to deal with customer service requests. If there is anything that has worked well for you, please feel free to drop us a comment below.

If you found this article interesting, please feel free to share it. Thanks for reading.

Images credit to Unsplash.

Thinking about a Rail Operator Infrastructure Apprenticeship?

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What does a Rail Infrastructure Apprenticeship involve?

A Rail Infrastructure Operator (RIO) apprenticeship typically involves training individuals to work in various roles related to the maintenance and operation of railway infrastructure. This can include maintaining tracks, signalling systems, overhead lines, stations, and other elements critical to the safe and efficient operation of a railway network.

  1. Track Maintenance: Apprentices may learn to inspect, repair, and maintain the tracks to guarantee smooth and safe train travel.
  2. Signalling Systems: Understanding and maintaining signalling systems is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring trains run on schedule.
  3. Overhead Lines: Apprentices might work on the electrical infrastructure, including overhead lines that power electric trains.
  4. Station Operations: Some apprenticeships may involve working in railway stations, learning about customer service, ticketing, and station maintenance.
  5. Safety Protocols: Safety is paramount in the rail industry. Apprentices are trained in safety procedures and protocols to minimize risks.

What can you achieve after completing a Rail Infrastructure Apprenticeship?

  • Control Room Operator
  • Service Controller
  • Signaller
  • Station Control Manager
  • Traffic Controllers
  • Traffic Manager
  • Train Service Control Manager
  • Train Service Manager

How will you be assessed a Rail Infrastructure Apprentice?

  • Practical assessment with questions
  • Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Apprenticeship

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Horticulture Or Landscape Construction Operate Apprenticeship

Do you love nature and the great outdoors? Then our level 2 Horticulture or Landscape construction apprenticeship could be the path for you! This hands-on role will have you experiencing high demands working with nature and landscape construction, but all with a rewarding outcome.

Beautiful garden with pink plants blue sky and a river running through it

Occupational Profile Of A Level 2 Horticulture Or Landscape Construction Operate Apprentice

What Are The Roles Of The Job?

In this apprenticeship, you will be working in a range of outdoor spaces and in all weather conditions throughout the year. Occasionally, they will even be working at heights, pruning hedges and cutting trees. The working environment you can be expected to work in may consist of, historical parks, community parks, private gardens and schools. Some may even find themselves working in organisational-owned parks such as those owned by National Trust.

Horticulture or landscape construction operators’ main purpose is to take steps in order to create or maintain horticultural spaces such as those listed above. The different skill sets needed for both of these mean it opens up two pathways in the apprenticeship, horticulture or landscaping. In the Horticulture apprenticeship, you will learn to work with soft landscape materials such as planting trees, sewing seeds, and maintaining plants and shrubs. Where as within the Landscaping apprenticeship you will learn how to maintain hard surfaces such as structural remains, features, surfaces and pathways. 

Man wearing gloves picking up rolls of turf

Different Duties Of Horticulture vs Landscape Construction

Duties in a Level 2 Horticulture Apprenticeship

  • Prepare plants through propagation
  • Take care of ornamental grounds
  • Take care of Trees, Plants, and Annual displays

Duties In A Level 2 Landscape Construction Apprenticeship

  • Preparing a site for construction work
  • Using hard materials for things such as patios, paths and driveways
  • Observing and repairing structures
Woman wearing glasses holding a clip board inspecting her plants in a greenhouse writing her observations down

What Skills Will I Learn Throughout This Apprenticeship?

Apprentices will learn how to apply practical and professional skills such as:

  • The importance of health and safety legislation laws in the working environment.
  • How to use relevant tools and machinery in different areas of your apprenticeship.
  • Learn how the environment may impact plant growth and why.
  • Soil science – including soil formation, the different textures and components, and how they impact plant growth.
  • Record keeping both digital and written.
  • Communication skills – such as communicating with supervisor, colleagues and the general public. 
  • Complying with regulations such as biosecurity and invasive species legislation, industry guidance and organisational policies.
  • Learning how to handle situations where special care should be taken including where heritage, environmental or planning designations may be present. 
  • Preparing site for planting, and providing appropriate care to plants during this process and directly after.
  • Learn how to handle soft landscape material and hard surfaces.

The Rewarding And Challenging Aspects Of The Job

Landscape and horticulture apprentice jobs can be hard work, including heavy lifting, working in different weather conditions, being accountable for health and safety, equipment and more. However, this role will also give you the opportunity to work on beautiful and historic sites, and the hard work you put in will be instantly gratifying and will continue to grow and reward. Some of the rewarding aspects of the job include maintaining spaces to be beautiful and green, preserving history for future generations, protecting wildlife and nature all while learning specialist skills

Someone wearing a graduation robe handing a certificate to you

Qualifications You Need To Complete Level 2 Horticulture Or Landscape Apprenticeship

Apprentices are expected to have their Maths and English, if Apprentice does not have this then this needs to be completed before they can pass through an end-point assessment.

Apprentices are also expected to have these additional mandatory qualifications:

  •  (Core) Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (Ofqual registered) minimum 1-day course
  • (Horticulture Apprenticeship) Lantra Awards Level 2 Award in the Safe Application of Pesticide Using Hand Held Equipment OR City and Guilds Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand-Held Equipment
  • (Landscaping Construction Apprenticeship) City and Guilds NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Abrasive Wheel Machines or Lantra Abrasive Wheel Machines Course

You will be awarded these qualifications for both pathways at the end of your apprenticeship course along with your apprenticeship certificate.

Why Should I Go For It?

If you have a genuine love for nature, the great outdoors and are interested in what you just read, then the Level 2 Horticulture or Landscape Construction Operative is the apprenticeship for you. This apprenticeship is an excellent stepping stone for anyone wanting a career in horticulture or landscape construction. You will learn plenty of practical and professional skills along the way. Don’t just take my word for it, here’s what a previous apprentice George has to say. So what are you waiting for?  Sign up today!

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Telecoms Field Operative Level 2: The Challenges and Rewards

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Level-2-Telecoms-Field-Operative-Server

In this post we will discuss the challenges and rewards of becoming a level 2 Telecoms Field Operative. From the physical demands to the sense of accomplishment, this post will help you decide if this is the apprenticeship for you.

The primary objective of this profession is centred around the development, provision, and repair of telecommunication services that cater to both commercial and residential clients across the UK’s National Telecom Access Network. This entails undertaking work on both copper and fiber connections to ensure the provision of top-notch 4G and 5G services to homes and businesses alike. Additionally, this profession is responsible for delivering an array of services, including telephone, internet, data, and TV services, to households and businesses from local telephone exchanges.

Is a Telecoms Field Operative a Demanding Job?

Firstly one of the most significant challenges of being a Level 2 Telecoms Field Operative is the physical demands of the job. This role requires working in all weather conditions which are often in remote areas and while carrying heavy equipment, However because of the demands, If you enjoy being active and working outdoors, this aspect of the job can also be one of the most rewarding.

What Does a Telecoms Field Operative Do Day-To-Day?

Additionally your day-to-day responsibilities will encompass a wide variety of tasks. This will range from troubleshooting network issues and installing and configuring equipment. Other tasks include performing routine maintenance checks. To excel in this field, you must have a comprehensive understanding of telecommunications technology and be able to work independently or as part of a team to solve complex problems.

Is There a Lot of Problem Solving?

Furthermore, problem-solving is also a crucial skill that a Level 2 Telecoms Field Operative needs to possess. Every day, there are new challenges with various systems and equipment, which require quick thinking and adaptability. However, being able to solve these problems and restore connectivity for customers is incredibly rewarding.

Will I Need Communication Skills?

Additionally strong communication skills are also essential in this role and requires high confidence to talk to other individuals. You’ll be interacting with customers, colleagues, and management regularly and being able to communicate effectively is vital. Technical issues must also be explained in a way that’s understandable to customers. Those of which may not be familiar with technical jargon.

Is There a Sense of Accomplishment In Being a Telecoms Field Operative?

Also One of the most rewarding aspects of the role is the sense of accomplishment that comes from a job well done. Knowing that you played a vital role in keeping people connected and making their lives easier is incredibly satisfying. This sense of accomplishment can be a great motivation for those working in this field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, working as a Level 2 Telecoms Field Operative can be challenging, the rewards can be well worth it. If you’re interested in this field, be prepared to work hard, stay flexible, and have a positive attitude. And always remember that you’re an essential part of keeping the world connected! To discover more level 2 apprenticeships, click here.

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Expertise in Forestry: Unveiling the Role of a Professional Forester

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Are you intrigued by the idea of working in the great outdoors, engaging with nature, and playing a pivotal role in sustainable land management?

If so, the role of a Professional Forester might just be your calling.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Professional Foresters, exploring their responsibilities, the impact they make, and the exciting apprenticeship opportunity that can launch your career in this field.

Exploring the Role of a Professional Forester

Overview of the Role:

 At its core, the role of a Professional Forester revolves around providing expert advice on woodlands and forests.

These professionals are the linchpin connecting landowners, contractors, and timber-buyers, ensuring that the planning, creation, management, harvesting, and utilisation of woodlands align with sustainable practices and legal requirements.

A Multifaceted Occupation: 

Professional Foresters can be found working across various sectors, including governmental, non-governmental, private, public, charitable, and local authority organisations. Their expertise is crucial for organisations and individuals who have a vested interest in forestry and woodland creation and management.

Key Responsibilities: 

The responsibilities of a Professional Forester are as diverse as the ecosystems they manage. From advising clients on forest management plans to analysing landscape and environmental data for woodland creation, they play an integral role in shaping the future of our woodlands.

Additionally, Professional Foresters are increasingly important in addressing environmental concerns, including forest carbon accounting and land use change, to contribute to governmental targets for sustainability and carbon reduction.

A man with a red digging tool
Woodland Management

Apprenticeship Overview

Education and Training: 

To embark on the journey of becoming a Professional Forester, the integrated degree apprenticeship at level 6 is an ideal route.

This apprenticeship, known as ST0923, equips you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for the occupation.

End-Point Assessment (EPA): 

The apprenticeship culminates in an End-Point Assessment, which evaluates your proficiency in the occupational standard.

It’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate your capabilities as a Professional Forester and showcase how well you can apply the skills you’ve acquired throughout your training.

Assessment Methods: 


The EPA consists of two key assessment methods:

  • A project with a report
  • A professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

The project involves conducting research, writing a report, and giving a presentation, all focused on a relevant forestry topic.

The professional discussion delves into your understanding of various aspects of the occupation.

Professional Recognition: 

Successful completion of the apprenticeship aligns with the Institute of Chartered Foresters for Professional Membership (MICFor), solidifying your standing in the field and opening doors to a network of professionals.

The Benefits: Making a Difference

Choosing the path of a Professional Forester isn’t just a career choice; it’s a commitment to the environment and society. By ensuring sustainable forest management and contributing to carbon reduction goals, you’ll be at the forefront of addressing pressing global challenges.

This apprenticeship not only provides you with the knowledge and skills needed but also offers a structured pathway to becoming a certified Professional Forester. The combination of hands-on experience, specialised education, and professional recognition sets you up for a rewarding and impactful career.

A footprint in the mud, surrounded by leaves and flowers.
Contributing to the planets carbon footprint
Take the First Step: Join the ApprenticeTips.com Newsletter

If the idea of becoming a Professional Forester resonates with you, it’s time to take the first step.

Join the ApprenticeTips.com newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in apprenticeships.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shape the future of our woodlands and embark on a fulfilling career.

In conclusion, the role of a Professional Forester is both captivating and impactful. With responsibilities ranging from:

  • Sustainable forest management
  • Carbon reduction
  • Professionals playing a vital role in safeguarding our natural resources.

The integrated degree apprenticeship offers a structured pathway to becoming a certified Professional Forester.

Take the first step toward a fulfilling career that makes a lasting difference in the world.

SEO Top Tips for Ranking Success

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In the ever-evolving digital landscape, standing out is no longer a choice – it’s a necessity. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is what you need to achieve just that. Whether you’re a business aiming to attract customers or an individual with a message to share, SEO is a large contributor to your digital presence. In this blog, we will unveil 5 top tips for mastering SEO and making your mark in the digital landscape.

  1. Keyword Research and Optimisation
  2. Quality content
  3. High-Quality Backlinks
  4. Mobile-Friendly Design
  5. Regularly Update Content
Hands working on a laptop, looking at SEO data.
Website admin using SEO tools to get their websites ranked in top search rankings in search engine.

Keyword Research and Optimisation

Researching keywords is a fundamental aspect of SEO. Keyword research involves identifying specific words and phrases that user’s enter into search engines when looking for information, products or services. By identifying valuable keywords through keyword research, you can gain valuable insights into your target audience’s interests and behaviours.

This research enables you to incorporate the relevant keywords into your website content, meta tags, headers and URL’s to optimise your website’s visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). Ultimately, keyword research and optimisation ensures that content aligns closely with user intent, to result in higher click-through rates, increased organic website traffic and a more successful online presence.

Quality content

Search engines prioritise content that is informative, relevant and valuable to users. Therefore, high quality content not only attracts and engages more visitors, but it also encourages them to spend more time on the website and interact with it’s pages. Producing high-quality content will improve SEO as bounce rates will decrease, which will signal to search engines that the website is an authoritative source of content, worthy of higher search rankings.

High-Quality Backlinks

A high-quality backlink is a link that comes from a reliable, high domain authority website that is well-trusted by search engines. High-quality backlinks can benefit SEO as they increase your websites ranking and visibility on search engines. Quality backlinks also drive targeted referral traffic to the website, which indicates to search engines that the site is a valuable resource, establishing the website’s authority within the digital landscape.

Mobile-Friendly Layout and Design

A mobile-friendly layout and design are essential for SEO due to the increasing usage of mobile devices for online activities. With a majority of internet traffic coming from smartphones and tables, search engines prioritise mobile compatibility in their ranking. Websites that offer a seamless experience on mobile devices are favoured as they tend to have higher user engagement. Mobile optimisation improves SEO as it can lead to higher search rankings, higher organic traffic and a satisfying user experience.

Regular Content Updates

Regular content updates benefit SEO as they signal website activity, value and relevance to search engines. New and updated content attracts more visitors and offers more opportunities for targeted keywords to be utilised, which boosts user engagement and encourages users to return to the website, driving organic traffic and search visibility.

Conclusion

SEO is crucial for digital presence success as it ensures your website can be easily found by target users on search engines. It boost’s a website’s visibility, drives organic traffic and enhances online credibility, ultimately leading to business growth and success.

Want to learn more about SEO? Click here for more information!

Click here to discover more Digital Apprenticeships blogs, such as the below.

Level 5 Payroll Assistant Manager

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Do you aspire to be a part of a team that forms the financial backbone of businesses? If so, continue reading as we delve into the Level 5 Payroll Assistant Manager apprenticeship.

Payroll Assistant Manager Role Overview

A Payroll Assistant Manager is integral to a well-functioning payroll system and the financial department of an organisation. The main role of a Payroll Assistant Manager is to lead a team within an organisation’s payroll department, to ensure accurate and timely payment in compliance with worker contractual and United Kingdom regulatory/statutory obligation.

The role of a Payroll Assistant Manager is widespread across all sectors and industries, including both private and public sectors, encompassing small organisations to large global corporations. A Payroll Assistant Manager’s role can vary from working with a large payroll department as part of their own organisation to leading payroll efforts in smaller terms. The role can also extend to specialist payroll bureaux, agencies and umbrella functions for outsourced payroll.

An image of hands working on payroll calculations.
Hands working on payroll calculations.

Key Responsibilities of a Payroll Assistant Manager

Some of the key responsibilities of a Payroll Assistant Manager include:

  • Manage unpredictability in a variety of payroll contexts.
  • Direct and oversee the timely collation of both payroll and benefits data from a range of sources.
  • Provide expert guidance to your team and other stakeholders.
  • Assume and demonstrate direct responsibility for pay and benefit calculations in broadly defined and complex situations.
  • Oversee all operations and systems within own jurisdiction to ensure these are compliant with all relevant payroll legislation.
  • Keep up-to-date with relevant statutory obligations and procedural best practice.
  • Analyse and evaluate pay, benefits and reporting systems.
  • Design and implement effective communication strategies to provide an efficient and compliance payroll service.
  • Take ownership for evaluating actions, methods and results to ensure a high level of client satisfaction.

Knowledge

The apprentice will gain knowledge in various areas including:

  • In-depth understanding of payroll processes and regulations.
  • Grasp payroll administrative procedures and guidelines.
  • Record statutory requirements for sickness and parental leave payments.
  • Understand eligibility for Employment Allowance and associated information.
  • Know the payroll lifecycle.
  • Recognise employer liability for UK taxes.
  • Understand UK pension scheme tax relief mechanisms.
  • Handling payments for leavers and termination.
  • Identifying and managing fraud and criminal activity in the payroll environment.

Skills

Apprentices will develop comprehensive skills in this role, including:

  • Risk assessment
  • Communication
  • Stakeholder relationship management
  • Data collection
  • Analytical expertise
  • Adaptive leadership
  • Recruitment and retention
  • Workload management
  • Payroll reconciliation
Hands working out financial calculations on a calculator.
Hands working out financial calculations on a calculator.

Qualifications

Apprentices who haven’t achieved Level 2 in English and Maths must attain this level before the end of the apprenticeship. For those under an education, health and care plan or with a legacy statement, the apprenticeship requires a minimum of Entry Level 3 in English and Maths. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification can replace the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Conclusion

The Level 5 Payroll Assistant Manager apprenticeship paves the way for a promising career in the finance and payroll management industry. The comprehensive skill set gained throughout will empower you to effectively lead teams, manage complex payroll cases and harness the power of evolving technologies. For more information on this course, click here.

Is this role not for you? Discover more interesting apprenticeships here!

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Level 7-Archivist and Record Manager Apprenticeship

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Level 7 Apprenticeship

Duration: 36 months

Archivist and Record Manager Apprenticeship. An image of potential artefacts and documents that the apprentice will be looking after.

What Is An Archivist and Record Manager Apprenticeship?

As an Archivists and Record Manager apprentice you will tasked with on the job learning and off the job learning. You will be expected to complete modules and courses, in addition to you everyday job. Alongside this, your organisation skills will have to be good in order to be successful in all areas of your apprenticeship.

As part of your job you will be in charge of the acquisition, preservation, security, and accessibility of important records and materials given to them by creators. You could be working for local authorities, charities, and universities.

You will be in charge of many things but your primary job is to look after records. This includes making sure they are secure and safe, that you follow legislation, and engaging with external stakeholders for the acquisition of such records.

Some records can be destroyed after a certain period but others may need to be archived as they may have cultural and historical significance

The work is sometimes handled in low temperatures or dark and dirty environments. Rest assured that your employee will provide you with the correct PPE in such environments.

Who Will I Work With?

Daily you work with people in your team, members of the public, internal departments, and external depositors.

Occasionally you will work with curators, academics, students, conservators, and many more.

Typical job titles associated with this position include:

  • Archives Cataloguer
  • Archives Officer
  • Archivist
  • Digital Archivist
  • Records Manager

Archivist and Records Manager Responsibilities

As part of your apprenticeship, you are expected to take on everyday roles. You will need to use the skills required to complete your job successfully. We have explained the skills in more detail below. This includes:

  • Negotiation.
  • Risk Management.
  • Ensuring you’re compliant with legislation
  • Planning for improvement and managing resources.
  • Liaising with key parties across the organisation.
  • Managing staff and volunteers.

What Skills Are Desired For This Role

As an Archivist and Records Manager these are the top 5 skills you should have for this role.

  • Negotiation. To acquire important documents/ records you should be able to negotiate with them. Negotiation with internal and external stakeholders is key- ensuring records are secure, maintained, and disposed of correctly.
  • Organise and Manage. You should be able organise materials/documents and records ensuring that they are stored safely and securely. This also includes considering what would happen in the event of a fire or flood. You also need to ensure that legislation is meant, for example, the Data Protection Legislation and Intellectual Property.
  • Managing Budget. Ensuring that you allocate your workload within the budget is important.
  • Understanding Business Planning Processes. This includes planning and applying legislation based on the service.

Qualifications

Apprentices should have level 2 in English and maths. If this is not the case then this should be achieved before End Point Assessment. If the apprentice has an education, heath and care plan or legacy statement then this does not apply, instead a minimum of level 3 English and maths is required. If the apprentice uses British Sign Language as their primary language then a BSL qualification can be used to substitute for the English Qualification.

Conclusion

Does this interest you? If so then an Archivist and Records Manager Apprenticeship is right for you!

You can earn and learn at the same time. Having hands-on experience in the company is a great way for you to learn the ropes. At the end of your apprenticeship, if you’re lucky, your employer will hire you full-time. If not, don’t worry, the experience you learned in this apprenticeship will be valuable and you can transfer your skills to future jobs.

Is this apprenticeship not for you?

Then check out some of the other apprenticeships we have written about. We have just written an article about Level 4 Integrated Orthodontic Therapist.

Level 4 Integrated Orthodontic Therapist

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Orthodontic Therapist Apprentice

Are you interested for a step up in the Dentistry Industry? If you are have a look at this blog and how you can expand on your Dentistry Career as an Orthodontic Therapist!

Jobs and Entry Level Criteria for a Level 4 Orthodontic Therapist Apprenticeship

The Orthodontic Therapist Apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to learn the job role of an Orthodontic Therapist and give you plenty of progression options in the future. Pathways for personal and professional growth include specialisation in certain areas putting focus into developing a niche expertise such as adult orthodontics or paediatric orthodontics.

To hit the requirements for the Level 4 Orthodontic Therapist Apprenticeship you must have prior registration on the General Dental Council Register with the capacities of a certified dental nurse, dental hygienist, dental therapist, or dental technician. Employers will usually require their apprentice candidates to have a period of clinical post-qualification experience which would ideally be 2 years of work.

Key Responsibilities for an Orthodontic Therapist Apprentice

The main role of the occupation includes undertaking reversible orthodontic procedures, which include bonding brackets on the teeth, fitting and changing wires and accessories that connect to the brackets, fitting removable appliances and retainers, following an appropriate prescription, while responding appropriately to a treatment plan provided by an orthodontist. They will be able to provide advice on maintaining oral and general health for their patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Other Duties Include:

  • Use appropriate communication at all times and through all media
  • Take impressions or scans of the teeth
  • Identify, select and use equipment, instruments and materials
  • Clean and prepare tooth surfaces
  • Fit orthodontic appliances
  • Change or repair arch wires inside a patient’s mouth
  • Recognise and deal with medical emergencies
  • Seek advice and receive referrals made by other healthcare professionals
Orthodontic therapist Apprentice
Orthodontic Therapist Apprentice with a patient

Core Competencies and Exams

During this apprenticeship you will need to learn and apply knowledge of dental hygiene and orthodontic procedures. The knowledge modules and vendor exams will help you understand the following:

  • The principles of an evidence-based approach to learning, clinical and professional practice
  • The principles of clinical decision making and your role in the decision-making process
  • Adhere to legal and ethical responsibilities in line with General Dental Council requirements, taking responsibility for the integrity of own actions and completed work recognising the limits of your competence and experience
  • Take a patient medical and social history, checking the patient’s level of experience and expectations
  • Carry out screening for the orthodontic need for treatment either under the direction of an orthodontist or direct to patients
  • Recognise the early stages of chronic problems with the soft tissues of the mouth
  • Recognise urgent care problems related to orthodontic treatment and take appropriate action in line with their scope of practice
  • Implement and perform effective decontamination and infection control procedures
  • Communicate appropriately, effectively and sensitively
  • Create, update and store contemporaneous patient records
  • Respect patients’ dignity and choices obtaining and documenting valid consent for all treatments and personal care delivery
  • Take impressions or scans of patient’s teeth as prescribed by the referring practitioner
  • Undertake a basic orthodontic assessment of a patient’s mouth
  • Fit, adjust, remove or repair a range of orthodontic appliances that the patient may wear as prescribed by the orthodontist. In the absence of a prescription, be able to make safe removable and fixed appliance components
  • Recognise and manage medical emergencies
  • Identify where patients’ needs may differ from the treatment plan or prescription and direct patients for advice where appropriate

To show understanding of these skills will be doing training carried out by the training provider, once the training provider is satisfied that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard, the apprentice will carry out an EPA assessment which can be graded either pass or fail. Apprentices that pass this exam will have professional recognition from the General Dental Council as an Orthodontic Therapist!

Conclusion

As you have just seen a Level 4 Orthodontic Therapist is a great direction for professional development in the Dentistry Industry. The skills you learn throughout the apprenticeship will help you grow and develop and will give you the opportunities to progress in the future. The On-Programme part of the apprenticeship prior to your EPA Gateway will be a 13 month duration.

Interested in more information on Occupational Paths? You can click here to find out more!

Level 5 Vet Technician (Livestock)

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Throughout the year, vet technicians play a vital role in the technical world of agriculture, environmental and animal care, specifically those who specialise in Livestock. The work, which predominantly takes place on commercial farms and smallholdings, can be the difference between healthy, cared for animals, and the mistreatment and injury of others.

If you’ve ever considered a career in handling livestock or becoming a veterinary technician, continue reading as we delve into the details of this Level 5 apprenticeship.

What is a Level 5 Vet Technician Apprenticeship?

A veterinary technician, or vet tech, predominantly assists the primary veterinarian and carry out common husbandry and technical tasks that assist and promote the care and wellbeing of livestock.

This Level 5 Apprenticeship is carried out primarily on the field, and varies from large multi-site operations to smallholdings, but also requires some time spent in veterinary practises. The purpose of an Apprenticeship is for the learner to get a hands-on experience in the world of work whilst earning money and a qualification. A Level 5 Apprenticeship is equivalent to a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma, HND.

The typical length of the Vet Technician Apprenticeship is around 24 months and has no specific entry requirements, however, it is helpful to have husbandry and livestock skills. The salary for this Apprenticeship, on average, is around £19,400 a year.

A vet technician assisting the birth of a baby lamb next to its mother, the animals are lying on a bed of hay.

Key responsibilities

The roles of a Level 5 Vet Tech Apprenticeship vary day-to-day; however, you will be asked to work with the animals in line with relevant standards. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Vaccinations
  • Foot trimming
  • Disbudding and growth monitoring
  • Preparing livestock for surgery and assisting with procedures
  • Recording data
  • Handling specimens
  • General husbandry and technical tasks

Throughout your Livestock Technician Apprenticeship, you will regularly assist the senior Vet and collect data, deliver treatment, and conduct welfare checks as and when required.

Being a Vet Technician can be a very intense apprenticeship as the Apprentice is also required to observe the welfare of clients and report any concerns to the senior team – this is so there is a reassurance that any concerns are raised and dealt with appropriately.

Core competencies and exams

As part of your Level 5 Vet Technician Apprenticeship, you will be required to work to a specific set of criteria and competencies, this includes the following list that are marked at either Pass or Distinction:  

  • Communication
  • Course of action and reporting concerns
  • Data collection, analysis and evaluation
  • Ethics, legal responsibilities and codes of practice
  • COSHH – safe use of medicines and zoonoses
  • Sampling
  • Manage workload and continuous professional development
  • Use of equipment and pharmaceuticals
  • Sampling (secondary)

After all of the above competencies are completed, and any vendor qualifications are passed, you will be put through gateway to an EPA project which will give you a final grade.

Two veterinary apprentices in white lab coats checking the wellbeing of cattle in a cowshed

Is this Apprenticeship right for me?

If you have a passion for animal care, a Level 5 Vet Technician Apprenticeship could be for you. This Apprenticeship Standard provides an excellent starting point for anyone looking to pursue a career in Veterinary or require the relevant HND qualification to pursue further education in university or higher level Apprenticeships. More information on the occupational paths you can take are located here , or alternatively, if you require a more technical look at this Level 5 Apprenticeship, please view the full guide to Vet Technician Apprentice (Livestock).

Livestock Unit Technician – Level 3 Apprenticeship

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The Guide to a Level 3 Livestock Apprenticeship

What are Apprenticeships? 

Apprenticeships are a great alternative to University, as well as, great for those who prefer to learn on the job. You will be learning, whilst getting real-life work experience which is invaluable to employers, following, this guide will explain the Level 3 Livestock Apprenticeship.

What is a Livestock Unit Technician? 

A Livestock Unit Technician is a fantastic apprenticeship for those who love working with Livestock, in correlation, some of the day-to-day roles include: 

  • Animal welfare and health. 
  • Advising in the changes of the diet for the animals. 
  • Feeding the animals.
  • Keeping records of the animals and reporting this information to line managers. 
  • Ensuring that you are meeting the industry standards
  • Looking after the equipment that may be used on the farm.
  • Moving animals across the site.
alt="a male and a female farmer feeding the sheep with hay in a a field - similar to tasks that would be undertaken in a Level 3 Livestock Apprenticeship"
Feeding the animals on your Livestock Apprenticeship

Are you the right fit for a Level 3 Livestock Apprenticeship? 

An essential trait of someone doing this needs to have a love for animals, equally, there are a few other key behaviours that you would need to show within this apprenticeship, and they are as follows: 

  • You will work well as part of a team
  • You are a concise communicator
  • Ability to build positive rapport with internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to deal with changing environments (including changes in industry standards and technology). 
  • Always willing to develop new skills and professional development. 

Qualifications needed

To qualify for this apprenticeship, applicants must have a Level 2 in English and Maths by the time they reach the End-Point-Assessment, additionally, candidates must have the following qualifications: 

  • City & Guilds Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance or Lantra Safe use of Pesticides (Level 2)
  • Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines (Level 2)
  • Award in Emergency First Aid at Work, which is a minimum of 1-day course ((Ofqual regulated) Level 3)

Extra Information

Level 3 Apprenticeship

18-Month Long Apprenticeship

For information: apprenticetips.com