Level 3 Apprenticeships

Cabin Crew: Connecting in the Industry

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Flight attendants from british airways

Welcome aboard the intriguing world of cabin crew members – the unsung heroes of the aviation industry. As we journey through the ins and outs of this captivating profession, we’ll unravel the essence of their role, explore the motivations driving individuals to join, and shed light on the diverse scenarios they navigate with grace.

The Role of Cabin Crew:

The role of an air cabin crew member is to primarily ensure customers’ safety at all times while onboard the aircraft. They also provide excellent customer service throughout the flight and are trained to handle security and emergencies. Cabin crew may work for commercial organizations with large customer volumes or with smaller groups on smaller aircraft. They adapt to the needs of various individuals, supporting nervous customers, those with young children, and those with special requirements encompassing In-flight service skills. Some may work with the armed forces, providing services for royalty, ministers, and dignitaries.

According to the Ifate, these are the quality traits of the ideal cabin crew member, whether it’s an entry-level apprentice or a seasoned worker:

Be vigilant and proactive in promoting a safe, reliable, secure, and compliant working culture. Use your initiative and resilience to problem solve and escalate when required as per your company procedures.

Embrace and promote the brand behaviors of your organization. Display loyalty, integrity, and accountability to the organization.

Convey a genuine warm welcome, with a desire to help and a positive attitude. Commit to continuous development of self, including awareness of organizational communications and regulatory updates.

Be visible and approachable, treating customers, colleagues, and other stakeholders with courtesy and respect at all times. Identify the needs of customers and adapt to different needs.

Demonstrate teamwork, support colleagues, embrace diversity, and demonstrate commercial awareness to deliver an agile, efficient, and professional service.

Take ownership and personal responsibility for your role and working environment.

Events and Networking:

This section will focus on special events related to the industry for those seeking like-minded individuals. Cabin crew members and aviation enthusiasts can connect at various events and conferences, such as the International Flight Services Association (IFSA) Expo, Aircraft Cabin Maintenance Conference, and World Aviation Cabin Crew Symposium. Trade shows like the Aircraft Interiors Expo and World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo offer networking opportunities. Online platforms like CabinCrew.com and social media groups dedicated to cabin crew discussions serve as virtual spaces for connecting with peers.

Cabin Crew Training:

Cabin Crew apprentice in a flight for apprenticeship
LONDON, UK: Toby Morter (Learning and Performance Executive) does a safety demonstration in the mock cabin in the SEP hall at the Global Learning Academy on 17 July 2018 (Picture by Nick Morrish/British Airways)

To get into the industry or find those looking to enter, there are various avenues. The traditional way involves obtaining a high school diploma and refining communication and customer service skills through people-oriented jobs like retail and management. However, apprenticeship (Level 3 apprenticeship) and intern opportunities offered by airlines are often overlooked but provide amazing avenues for structured learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship. Including Apprentice success tips and Apprentice best practices

  • Practical Skill Development: Apprenticeships provide a hands-on approach, allowing individuals to develop practical skills crucial for success in the cabin crew role.
  • Industry Insight: Engaging in an apprenticeship offers a firsthand understanding of the cabin crew profession, providing valuable insights into day-to-day responsibilities and industry dynamics.
  • Professional Network Building: Apprenticeships facilitate connections with experienced professionals, contributing to the development of a robust and supportive professional network within the aviation industry.

Why Choose to be a Cabin Crew Member:

People are drawn to the flight attendant profession for various reasons, including travel opportunities, diversity, a passion for customer service, a dynamic work environment, continuous personal development through training, networking opportunities, attractive perks, and job stability. Despite challenges like irregular hours and time away from home, it remains a fulfilling career choice for those who enjoy exploring the world.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, whether its Flight attendant or a part of the Cabin team presents its challenges and rewards. Juggling the dynamics of in-flight duties and prioritizing passenger safety makes it a dynamic and valuable experience. Now, if you’re contemplating a leap into this profession, are you finding yourself curious about whether the mix of responsibilities and opportunities aligns with what you’re seeking in a career? Wondering if spreading your wings in the world of aviation is something that piques your interest? Check out some of the current Apprenticeships – there’s something for both prospects and prospectors:

Explore other relevant content like:

Why You Should Become an Apprentice

Aviation Apprenticeship – Level 2 Ground Operative

Cabin Crew – Level 3 Operative

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Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship Level 3

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Level 3 Assistant Accountant Blog Post Featured Image with title text, showing a person using a calculator with various financial documents in the background.

Are you an organised individual? Do numbers click for you? If this sounds like you, delve into the possibilities that await you and read on to discover how the Level 3 Assistant Accountant apprenticeship could take you down a new career path.

Did you know you can achieve full qualification as an Accountant without going to university? An Assistant Accountant apprenticeship offers you the opportunity to kickstart your career right after school – or anytime if you fancy a change in career.

Accountants remain consistently sought after, ensuring a lifelong career in an important role.

Key Program Details

  • Level of qualification upon completion: Level  3 (Equivalent to A level)
  • Duration: 15 months
  • Suitable for: Individuals looking to move into an accountant role

What can you expect to learn?

Enrolling in the Assistant Accountant Level 3 apprenticeship will equip you with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to enhance your performance and contribute real value on a daily basis. The program focuses on a thorough understanding of the following, all while instilling ethical accounting principles as an Assistant Accountant:

  • Accounting fundamentals
  • Encompassing tasks such as:
    • Preparing final accounts
    • Advanced bookkeeping
    • Handling indirect and expenditure taxes

By working as an Assistant Accountant, you’ll heighten your ability to work collaboratively and understand how your daily contributions have a direct impact on your business and overall productivity.

Level 3 Assistant Accountant Blog Post Embedded Image showing two people talking in an office with documents on the table and one of them giving a thumbs up.
Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship

Entry Criteria

For Assistant Accountant Apprenticeships in the UK at Level 3, the entry criteria is similar to other Level 3 Apprenticeships, requiring a certain number of GCSEs and appropriate English and Maths skills.

As UK Apprenticeships are predominantly focused around on-the-job learning, it is the employers who establish the selection criteria. Typically, an employer looking to recruit an Assistant Accountant Apprentice would require a minimum of 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Mathematics GCSEs or Functional Skills certifications. The training provider delivering the apprenticeship in partnership with the employer may also have requirements that align with this.

If you’re unsure if you meet the criteria do not let this dissuade you! Some employers and training providers may consider other applicable qualifications and experience, such as a relevant Level 2 qualification.

Apprentices lacking Mathematics and/or English at Level 2 must attain these before undergoing the end-point assessment (EPA) with their training provider.

Duties In Detail

As part of the Assistant Accountant apprenticeship, you’ll actively participate in a range of fundamental responsibilities and duties that shape the basis of your role. The nine duties of an Assistant Accountant Apprentice in the UK include:

  1. Assist with monthly and year end reporting of financial and accounts information. This will include the timely collation of data from a range of sources, such as different functions within one organisation, or a range of external clients if operating in a practice. This includes both foreseeable finance and accounting data requirements and unexpected requirements.
  2. Maintain financial and accounting records including the timely collation of data from a range of sources. For example, different functions within one organisation, or a range of external clients if operating in practice. This includes both foreseeable requirements and unexpected requests, often to tight timescales.
  3. Safeguard against suspicious activities for example anti-money laundering.
  4. Assist with the compilation of accounting and financial records, for example, to inform direct and indirect tax returns under supervision, audit documentation or control account reconciliations.
  5. Deliver financial and accounting information and data to stakeholders to ensure that key messages are communicated.
  6. Assist in the maintenance and use of digital systems by using software applications and packages to support the delivery of accurate and timely financial and accounting information.
  7. Use digital systems safely to ensure that the cyber security of the organisation is not compromised, and data handling legislative requirements are met.
  8. Undertake Continuous Professional Development by keeping up to date with relevant statutory obligations and procedural best practice.
  9. Collaborate with people both internally and/or externally at appropriate levels with a view to deliver a service that meets customer’s needs with a commitment to professional and ethical standards, for example, professional code of conduct and duty of confidentiality as appropriate.

(Source: Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education)

Progressing as an Assistant Accountant

In addition to ensuring comprehensive capability as an Assistant Accountant, this standard lays the foundation for advancing into various career paths within the Accounting sector. These paths may lead to roles such as (but not limited to):

  • Audit Trainee
  • Corporate Recovery Analyst
  • Credit Controller
  • Tax Accountant

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey to become an Assistant Accountant is a lifelong skill that can unlock numerous opportunities for a fulfilling career. Once you’ve earned your Assistant Accountant qualification, you open the door to a world of possibilities. You can explore and thrive in different areas, industries, and sectors, tailoring your own unique journey.

Not quite ready to take the leap into Level 3 or don’t have the required qualifications? Why not check out the Level 2 Accounts or Finance Apprenticeship to take that first step on your career journey.

Already working as an assistant accountant and looking to progress your financial career? Find out more about higher-level UK Apprenticeships, such as the Level 6 Accounting and Finance Manager Apprenticeship.

Or, contact us today to speak to one of our team of experts for more information or assistance. 

Level 3 Heritage Engineering Technician

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Young Heritage Engineering Technician apprentices, working underneath a historical plane. Apprenticeship, heritage, historical, mechanical, machinery, work, learn
Young Heritage Engineering Technician apprentices, working underneath a historical plane. Source: Canva Magic Media

Level 3 Heritage Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Does a career restoring and preserving historic vehicles and machinery sound fulfilling? With 6 standards to choose from within this Level 3 Heritage Engineering apprenticeship, your existing skills can be tailored to the area your most passionate about.

The standards for this apprenticeship have been accredited by businesses such as Jaguar Land Rover and The Royal Air Force Museum. Continue reading below to find out more about this fascinating apprenticeship opportunity.

The 6 options available within this apprenticeship:

  1. Aviation Technician: working with any type of aircraft, Civil or Military. Use traditional or new technology to conserve, repair or restore them.
  2. Marine Technician: carrying out maintenance or restoration on any vessels including sail, oar and engine powered.
  3. Steam (Mechanical Overhaul) Technician: repairing, modelling or manufacture of mechanical components, such as wheels or frames. Related to steam engines, for example locomotives and ships.
  4. Steam (Boiler-smith) Technician: also working on any steam engines, with a focus on the boiler design, restoration and manufacture.
  5. Vehicle Mechanical Technician: this includes a range of historic vehicles. Varying work complying with strict legislation.
  6. Coach-building & Trim Technician: ranging from repair to rebuilds of coaches and trims.

What will you do as a Heritage Engineering Technician?

Across all of the above options, the skills you will learn and work includes working on heritage artifices, researching their history and surveying the condition of them. Dissembling projects and recording insights, evaluating components, generate insights and methods to solve unique issues, and carrying out restoration and repairs.

What will you learn?

As a heritage engineering technician, you will gain a core knowledge and insight of

  • Regulations relevant to your specific area, as well as general organisational, statutory and health and safety.
  • The guide for Care of Larger and Working Historic Objects published by the Museums and Galleries commission.
  • The value of heritage engineering.
  • Materials, equipment and tools necessary for each project.
  • How to review and draft schedules and plans, and develop working strategy as it progresses.
  • Mathematical and scientific principles e.g. formulae, metric and imperial measurement.
  • The principles of supple chain management.
  • Non-destructive testing methods.
  • Methods used to inspect, restore, protect and manufacture- original methods and new.
  • Supply chain management principles.
  • How to identify forms of corrosion and degradation, and select the best restoration method in response.
  • Mechanical, non-mechanical and thermal jointing processes.
  • How to manage customers expectations, requirements and budgets.

What behaviours will you need to demonstrate?

  • Compliance with policies and and health and safety regulations, taking personal responsibility. This includes the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and others. The apprentice will need to demonstrate high levels of personal resilience and responsibility as a core competency.
  • Good team working skills across internal and external teams. Managing people, responsibility and workloads through strong communication.
  • Hold strong ethical, diversity and equality values, and work at a high standard to promote these.
  • Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills. Use appropriate channels of communication to be clear, and honest. Have a respectful manor always when navigating partnerships or suppliers.
  • Quality and problem solving. Identifies opportunities to improve processes, quality, output, speed and efficiency.
  • Continuous professional development. This is a strong drive and self-motivation to always improve, learn new skills and find challenges. Overall this is a passion to improve personal performance.
components historical engineering technician apprenticeship restoration repairs heritage

Interested in a Heritage Engineering Technician apprenticeship?

If this sounds fascinating to you, and you want to apply, you’ll need minimum entry level 3 maths and English qualifications.

The length of a Heritage Engineering technician apprenticeship ranges 42 to 48 months.

If you’d like to find out more about similar apprenticeships available, have a look here.

Level 3 Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship

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Does working in construction, engineering and social housing installation, sound good to you? If so, read on to find out how the level 3 domestic electrician apprenticeship could help start a new career. Alternatively, you could change roles within your current organisation and complete the apprenticeship training.

Job Summary and entry criteria for the Level 3 Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship

This occupation sits under domestic dwelling construction, engineering and social housing installation and maintenance electrician industries. The main space of work will be domestic properties such as homes, dwellings, or individual units in e.g., care homes, or on commercial or industrial building sites.


Key requirements for successful domestic electricians include professionalism and high regard for customer service throughout the job from responding to enquiries, proposing solutions, providing quotations, undertaking work, and handing completed work back to the customer. You must have achieved English and maths qualifications in line with apprenticeship funding rules. Passed any other mandated qualifications listed in the occupational standard. For the domestic electrician, The qualification(s) required are:  Electrotechnical in dwellings qualification. As a domestic electrician you may work for small independent business or for providers of homes and residential services such as local authorities and housing associations.

Daily responsibilities for a domestic electrician include:

– Understand fully and work in full compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations; building regulations; industry guidance notes; relevant codes of practice, the requirements of the current edition of the Wiring Regulations (BS7671) and other relevant standards.
– Always provide appropriate customer service, prioritising their care, safety, and security and that of any children and pets on customer property.
– Design and install wiring for domestic heating systems including central heating boilers and other domestic heating systems which need electrical connections.
– Understand how to plan and project manage typical Domestic Electrician work.
– Plan and deliver the best solution for the customer, incorporating and integrating comfort and convenience technologies for the homeowner, within agreed budget, including the installation, maintenance, and inspection of domestic electric vehicle charging systems and other domestic use special installations, in accordance with the requirements of BS 7671 and other relevant industry standards.

In the daily work, you’ll be interacting with:

– Their customers who are usually the end user of the services.
– The team leader or area manager as well as personnel responsible for materials storage and supply if they work in an organisation.
– Building materials suppliers, merchants, small business support, accountants, and others if they are self-employed.
– A domestic electrician will sometimes work within a team or may often be accompanied an apprentice.

You’ll be responsible for completing your own work to specification with minimal supervision. This role is perfect for someone who likes to work independently but still enjoys interactions with customers, colleagues, and others on the program.  

Here’s a summary of the apprenticeship and what you’ll need to achieve the qualification: – You’ll sit an end point assessment (EPA). This will be to assess your competence against the knowledge, skills, and behaviors on the job.
– EPA is your chance to show an independent assessor you can do the occupation you have been trained for.
– The typical length of the on-Programme part of this apprenticeship is 36 months. EPA period will typically last 6 months.

Assessment methods:
– Observation: you will be observed by a NET independent assessor while you perform electrical tasks in a controlled environment in a NET Licensed Assessment centre. This is part of the holistic assessment and will take place over three consecutive days.
– Scenario based interview: you’ll be asked 12 scenario-based questions. Interview will last up 90 minutes with a maximum of 9 extra minutes.
– Online Knowledge Assessment: you will also sit an online knowledge assessment at the assessment centre. The online knowledge assessment will be computer based and will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions.

Conclusion:

If this sounds of interest to you, come apply for the Level 3 Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship and join thousands who have embarked on this timeless journey. Additionally, sign up to our newsletter today and receive updates on all new apprenticeships and how to apply for them.

Level 3 Water Industry Network Technician

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Grey faucet dripping water

Don’t want to sit behind a desk for work? Would you rather be out working in a variety of different locations gaining hands on experience in an engineering field? Well, this may be an apprenticeship for you. This level 3 water industry network technician will not only allow you to do the above but open the door to many possible career paths.

What is a water industry network technician?

A water industry network technician is someone who works within the water industry. They mainly work outdoors in all weather conditions on water or wastewater networks however, they may also need to go into customer premises or spend time in the office.

They may also have to drive between sites or locations so a driving licence will usually be required.

What does a water industry network technician do?

They are responsible for meeting quality, industry regulations, safety, security, and environmental requirements as well as the health and safety of others.

The main purpose of this occupation is to ensure the continuity and efficiency of water or wastewater industry network services. As this is the case there are 24-hour, seven days a week operations, which may require them to take standby duties and work shifts outside normal working hours.

As a water industry network technician, you will work with operatives and other technicians either as part of a team or by yourself. You would also engage with customers and members of the public and sometimes internal and external stakeholders.

Water technician walking around a site located by water

Potential roles within this apprenticeship

This is a core and option apprenticeship. This means that apprentices will be trained and assessed against the core and one of the below options:

Water distribution network technician:

Water distribution network technicians carry out planned and unplanned valving operations. They will visit customers to resolve water quality enquiries. This could include taking water samples and giving advice on water quality. Also, they will need to undertake and provide advice on water fittings and will need to consider the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations.

Water leakage technician:

Water leakage technicians use systems to identify potential and actual leaks and undertake or identify actions required to reduce the leakage. They will also assist in the repairs and maintenance of meters and loggers, whilst providing advice to customers on pipework ownership and responsibility relating to leakage.

A water distribution network technician and a water leakage technician must have a National Water Hygiene (Blue) card. This involves training, assessment, and a health screening.

Wastewater network technician:

Wastewater technicians respond to incidents and monitor the wastewater network resolving issues or identifying actions that are required. They carry out or supervise system maintenance activities such as high-pressure water jetting and de-silting operations. They will also undertake surveys such as CCTV camera work or use Sonde tracing equipment to assist with fault diagnosis.

Wastewater technicians must take account of the Environmental Quality Standards relating to planned and unplanned discharges.

What might some of your day-to-day tasks involve?

Each of the above 3 options breaks down into their own responsibilities and roles however some of the common roles that you will undertake across all three are:

  • Conduct customer visits and liaise with customers.
  • Investigate network complaints.
  • Complete surveys of street works and traffic management requirements then make necessary arrangements.
  • Contribute to network continuous improvement and optimisation projects.
  • Maintain network digital data and documentation.
  • Ensure the maintenance of technician’s tools and equipment.

Entry requirements and possible jobs for a level 3 water industry network technician

The entry requirements for this apprenticeship are typically, 3 to 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or higher including English and mathematics, or equivalent qualifications.

After the completion of the learning stage in the apprenticeship, you will go through a process called EPA Gateway. This is when the End-point assessment organisation (EPAO) will check to confirm that all requirements have been achieved. If they have you will then be able to start the end point assessment (EPA).

The EPA requirements are:

  • Achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the above.
  • A submitted portfolio containing evidence of the work undertaken by the apprentice which will then be referred to in the interview.

The EPA consist of the following:

  • Being observed by an independent assessor for at least 6 hours whilst you complete your work. They will ask at least 5 questions during this time.
  • An interview up to 90 minuets long where you will be asked 10 questions. These questions will be around certain aspects of your work and will also be on the portfolio which would have been submitted at gateway.
  • Finally, you will complete a multiple-choice test that consists of 50 questions where there will be 90 minutes to complete it.

For some advice and tips on your EPA interview click here.

After you have finished your EPA you will then be given a grade and if you passed you will be qualified. After the apprenticeship has been completed you can then look to get a full time role in the water industry.

Some job roles are:

  • Water distribution network technician
  • Water field technician
  • Water recycling technician
  • Sewerage technician
  • Wastewater network technician

Conclusion

This Level 3 water industry network technician role is a great entry point for anyone looking to get into an engineering career within the water industry. You will gain valuable on the job experience whilst working towards completing your qualification with a bonus of earning while you learn.

There are multiple options that become available to you after this apprenticeship, these could be from the list of job opportunities that are available or even looking at completing a higher-level course to further your knowledge.

If you would like to find out any more information on engineering apprenticeships or apprenticeships in general then check out the other posts on ApprenticeTips.com here or if you would like to apply for any apprenticeships or see what other level 3 engineering apprenticeships are out there then check the government apprenticeship website here.

Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship

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Peer Worker Apprentice working with client

Are you interested in mental health advocacy and supporting others on their path to wellness? Consider a Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship. This apprenticeship is a life-changing opportunity that can improve your personal growth. It can also enable you to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Continue reading to discover why this apprenticeship is worth considering.

Jobs in Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship

A Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship leads to meaningful job opportunities. Peer workers help those with mental health challenges in various settings, such as hospitals and schools. They offer counselling, crisis intervention, and support groups. Experienced workers can go on to become mentors and supervisors.

Entry Criteria for Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship

A passionate dedication to supporting individuals on their mental health journeys is at the core of peer work due to this specific entry criteria is not usually in place for aspiring Level 3 Peer Worker Apprentices.

Some employers may require candidates to have a minimum educational qualification, typically 5 GCSEs at grades A**-C. Additionally, a genuine experience of overcoming mental health challenges is highly valued. This is the basis of the unique empathy and understanding that peer workers bring to their roles.

Strong communication skills, active listening abilities, and a non-judgmental attitude are also crucial attributes for potential peer workers.

Key Responsibilities

As a peer worker apprentice, your primary role is to offer both emotional and practical support to individuals who are dealing with mental health challenges. This involves being an active listener and creating a safe space for clients to share their experiences, difficulties, and aspirations. Working with clients to build trust, assisting them in creating personalised recovery plans and identifying their strengths and resources to reach their goals.

You will work with mental health professionals to help clients get the services they need. You will also need to be able to provide immediate help during difficult times, so it’s important to have crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.

Core Competencies

  • Active Listening: The ability to attentively listen and comprehend clients’ experiences, concerns, and emotions. This enables a sense of being heard and understood.
  • Empathy: Demonstrating genuine care and understanding of clients’ struggles by drawing upon personal experiences while maintaining healthy emotional boundaries.
  • Effective Communication: Mastering clear and respectful communication, both verbally and nonverbally, to establish open and meaningful interactions with clients and colleagues.
  • Mental Health Knowledge: Developing a solid understanding of various mental health challenges, treatment options, and available community resources to provide informed guidance.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledging and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of clients, adapting support approaches to meet their unique needs.
  • Boundaries and Ethics: Learning to establish healthy emotional boundaries and adhere to ethical guidelines to ensure professional conduct.
  • Problem-Solving: Identifying solutions to challenges clients face in their recovery journeys, supporting them in developing effective coping strategies.

A peer worker apprentice with these core competencies can provide caring support to people dealing with mental health difficulties.

To learn more about the difference that you can make as a peer support apprentice take a look at the video below:

Conclusion

Embarking on a Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship is not just a career choice; it’s a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. By offering personalised support, fostering empowerment, and building valuable skills, you will help others on their journey to recovery. A Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship could be the perfect stepping stone to a rewarding and fulfilling career if you’re passionate about mental health advocacy and want to create lasting change.

For more information about various apprenticeships and for exclusive tips sign up for our newsletter here.

Financial Services Administrator Apprenticeship (Level 3)

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Woman working on laptop

Interested in a role in finance? Would you suit a job involving admin support? Well a financial services administrator apprenticeship may be the way forward for you! 

A financial services administrator can expect to provide administrative support to a financial organisation. This may be at an “adviser firm”, which is an SME (small to medium sized enterprise) that provides regulated financial planning, mortgage and insurance advice, or a network, which is an umbrella company providing support services to financial adviser firms.

Around 19,000 SMEs are currently looking for more admin support, so there’s certainly plenty of opportunities in this sector.

What can I expect from a financial services administrator role?

The daily activities you can expect on the job are as follows:

  • Providing general office admin support.
  • Communicating with customers and insurers efficiently.
  • Maintaining customer/policy records through the customer management system and IT solutions. 
  • Managing installment and credit provisions for customers.
  • Reporting formal complaints to the managing director.
  • Ensuring compliance procedures are followed on a daily basis.
  • Managing new and existing claims, whilst also completing claims analysis. 
  • Ensuring customer records follow current procedures.

What skills and qualities do I need to be successful in this role?

To succeed in your financial services administrator apprenticeship, you should be able to:

  • Be a team player – can you support and collaborate with your colleagues well?
  • Build customer relationships – will you be able to communicate clearly with customers verbally, in writing and through IT?
  • Provide a quality service – can you deliver excellent service to your customers, colleagues and advisers?
  • Plan ahead – will you be able to plan and analyse to deliver the best outcomes?
  • Know the system – do you have strong IT skills? Will you be able to stick to risk, regulatory and governance requirements?
  • Be adaptable – can you change your priorities or work processes should you need to?
  • Show enthusiasm – will you be able to show drive and energy to overcome any obstacle?
  • Be reliable – can you meet the deadlines and plan your time effectively?
  • Personal commitment – do you want to see your own development, and have an impact on the whole company?

If you answered “yes” to these, this could be your ideal role! However, apprenticeships are also about learning on the job, so you can expect to develop these skills further.

Financial services administrator speaking to manager

What qualifications do I need to be a financial services administrator?

Individual employers will set their entry requirements, but as a baseline, you will need Level 2 in English and Maths, preferably as part of 5 GCSE A-C grades. You may be employed without this, but you will be expected to get these qualifications before the completion of your apprenticeship if not.

What qualifications can I get on the job?

There are plenty of opportunities to advance yourself and gain extra qualifications whilst training to be a financial services administrator. This includes:

  • UK Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics.
  • Introduction to Investment.
  • Certificate in Insurance.

You may also do exams based on your line of work, for example: life, pensions, general insurance, investments and long term care. Plus, apprentices that display a higher academic capability could do higher level qualifications to fast track through the progression routes.

How long will the apprenticeship take?

Most financial services administrator apprenticeships take 12-18 months to complete.

What career can I expect afterwards?

This apprenticeship is considered an ideal entry point to a career in this sector; there are numerous roles that apprentices go into, including senior administrator, paraplanner, financial adviser or mortgage adviser.

Open the door to your future in finance with a Level 3 Financial Services Administrator apprenticeship. Discover more about all the apprenticeship options here, and if you would like to apply for a financial services administrator apprenticeship, head to the link here.

We have the latest news from the apprenticeship world, so follow us on social media @apprenticetips. 

Top 3 Tips for the ‘Implementation’ Competency

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Have you just been introduced to the concept of the Summative Portfolio? Or are you part-way through your apprenticeship looking for some competency advice? Well look no further! This blog provides you with some great top 3 tips for the ‘implementation’ competency and will be your go-to resource when completing your portfolio.

Firstly, what is the ‘Summative Portfolio’?

The Summative Portfolio is a documented piece of work completed over the course of an 18-month Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship. Within this portfolio, there are a list of technical competencies required to tick off, supported by a variety of evidence to showcase completion. The portfolio itself is one out of four assessment methods used to measure the overall performance of the apprentice. The other three methods are the synoptic project, employer reference, and interview. These four together contribute to the overall End Point Assessment (EPA) where a final grade will be granted based on the above factors.

image showing ideal work desk set up with the help of the top 3 tips for the 'implementation' competency

What is the ‘Implementation’ Competency?

A part of the portfolio that many people struggle with is ticking off the Implementation competency. As per the occupational brief, to achieve a minimum of a pass, you ‘must be able to build and implement campaigns across at least 3 different digital media, including social media platforms’.

The different digital medias, and some accompanying digital campaign examples are:

  • PPC – Google Ads, search PPC
  • Display – Google Ads, display/video
  • SEO – On page SEO keyword research
  • Email – Email marketing newsletter campaign
  • Social – Paid Social ads e.g. Facebook
  • Affiliate – Affiliate marketing
  • Mobile Apps – Mobile app development

You wouldn’t be the first (or last) person to think that the above sounds complicated! So, let me introduce you to my Top 3 Tips for the ‘Implementation’ Competency: Creating a Plan, Job Shadowing, and End to End Responsibility.

My Top 3 Tips for the ‘Implementation’ Competency

Tip 1 – Create a Plan

This is one of the most important things to do from the offset – plan. It’s vital you have a framework in place to work towards. A good plan will consist of input from yourself, your line manager, and your coach. An especially great way to initiate this is by having a meeting with all three parties together. You should talk about what will be possible in your current role, the time it will take to complete the implementations and, if required, possible scope to shadow other teams (advice in Tip 2). Not only will creating a plan keep you on track overall, but it will also help to utilise your time effectively, as it will be time to submit before you realise!

Tip 2 – Job Shadowing

If your current role is limited in meeting a variety of implementations, then you will need to work with colleagues elsewhere to achieve these campaigns. Firstly, establish which implementations are outstanding and ask your manager to identify a team or colleague who can help. Then, ask your line manager to send an email outlining exactly what is needed from the other team to assist and arrange a convenient time for you to spend in their presence. This can be done face to face or remotely through tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Loom.

Tip 3 – End to End Responsibility

A key part to the implementation competency is demonstrating that you have managed a campaign from beginning to end. During this process you may identify some gaps to fill e.g. working with the team that is responsible for XYZ. To evidence this end-to-end involvement, you must have screenshots in your portfolio with annotations explaining this step-by-step process. A great way to navigate this is by keeping a folder of screenshots, or by adding them to your portfolio document in chronological order, later coming back to write up the annotations.

Conclusion

Hopefully you are now crystal clear with what the Implementation competency requires and have taken on board my 3 top tips. But don’t worry if you’re still a bit confused; it takes time to fully understand what is expected. A great further read is this guide to a successful portfolio which provides detail about the portfolio and provides some additional tips.

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Level 3 Dental Nurse

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Have you always wanted a career in the healthcare industry but you’re not sure where to start? Has the dental industry always been appealing to you but you don’t want to go to university? Well, the answers to those questions lie within this article, exploring the role of a Level 3 Dental Nurse and how an apprenticeship could be the perfect choice for you to kickstart your career.

Summary of the Role

A role of a dental nurse is an understated one, yet crucial in enabling dental professionals to deliver efficient and accurate services to patients. The primary purpose of the role is to provide chair side support to dentists and other professionals, working with them to provide patients with a high standard of oral healthcare, including keeping records and dictating notes on behalf of the dentist. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and infection control are also important aspects of the role as dental nurses are responsible for the preparation, sterilisation and disposal of instruments, materials and medicaments used in dental procedures to ensure that all services undertaken are safe and hygienic. Other responsibilities include carrying out stock control and enforcing patient safety in the practice during their visits.

Image of a female dental nurse operating a machine.
Empower yourself and others with a career in dentistry.

Dental nurses work in clinical environments that could be located in NHS general dental practices or hospitals serving the community, as well as private or specialist practices. Dental nurses interact with patients of all ages, genders, backgrounds and cultures with varying beliefs, as well as other members of the practice team, such as receptionists or specialists. In more specific cases, they may also be required to interact with schools, the prison service or the military service.

Dental nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and scope of practice as defined by the General Dental Council Scope of Practice document.

Knowledge and Skills you will gain

  • Acquire knowledge of the dental and regional anatomy
  • Knowledge of the wider dental and healthcare system
  • Understand legislation, policy and procedures outlined in the GDC
  • Provide chair side support during dental procedures
  • Communicate appropriately, effectively and sensitively at all times
  • Respect patients’ dignity and choices and act without discrimination
  • Effectively manage own time and resources

Qualifications required

Level 2 English* & Maths

*British Sign Language qualification as an alternative

Other details

Duration – 18 months

Occupational Level – Level 3

Regulatory body – General Dental Council

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you will be awarded with a Level 3 qualification for entry to the professional register as a dental nurse.

Conclusion

The Level 3 Dental Nurse apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for ambitious and driven individuals to get your foot in the door in the healthcare industry and opens up a plethora of opportunities to continue your career path such as branching out into an Oral Health Practitioner role. This apprenticeship will provide you with key skills and knowledge that will help you to excel and flourish in the health and sciences sector and provide meaningful and appreciated care to the community.

Image of a female dental nurse handing a toothbrush and toothpaste to a young girl.
Give back to the community with a career in dentistry.

If after reading you’ve decided this might not be best for you, don’t fear! Click here to find out more information on different apprenticeships to help you determine which one is right for you.

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Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

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What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable real life experiences for a company and within the industry of their choice. Alongside is the job-training, where the apprentice is expected to spend at least 20% of their weekly working hours completing and attending classroom-based learning with either a training provider or university.

The duration of the programme will vary depending on the apprenticeship level and at the end of the programme, the apprentice will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

What is the role?

Early Years Educators, and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, are highly trained professionals who work with care for children from birth to 5 years and will essentially play a key role in supporting children to have the best start to their education. Within this role, educators are expected to be versatile, working in different places, this includes full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools and reception classes. Working conditions may also vary in terms of they may either be working solo or with colleagues to deliver the requirements set by the government for the learning, development and care of children aged 5 and below called ‘Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)’.

What will be the apprentice be doing:

  • Will work as part of a team planning, monitoring and evaluating activities for children from birth to approximately five years of age.
  • Build Positive relationships with the children, families, colleagues and internal/external professionals.
  • Ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of the children in the room at all times is essential.
  • Support children development by teaching basic numeracy and language skills through games and play.
  • Meet the care needs of individuals such as the administration of medicine (if required), changing nappies and feeding.

Skills required / Behaviours expected for the role:

  • Commitment, to improving the outcomes of all children through education, child centred care and inspiration.
  • Honesty, trust and integrity, develop trust within colleagues and with children by working in an ethical, confidential manner combined with professional attitude towards work.
  • Teamwork, working effectively with colleagues and internal/external professionals.
  • Care and Compassion, produce the best childcare to every child daily combined with the ability to be bold and professionally challenge poor practice when necessary.
  • Know the importance of basic life skills and be able to successfully showcase and transfer these to the children.
  • Analyse and explain how children’s learning and development can be affected or altered during their stage of development, circumstances and environment.
  • Actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.
  • Promote healthy lifestyles such as the encouragement for young children and babies to consume healthy food and have a balanced meal, drinks and snacks that is suitable for their age and be physically active through exercise and game activities.
  • The importance of basic hygiene in order to prevent and control infections and bacteria such as hand washing, food preparation and dealing with spillages and waste disposal in a coordinated manner and most importantly in a safe way.

Level and Duration:

This Apprenticeship is Level 3, typically around 18 months or more.

On successful completion of the programme, the apprentice will be awarded:

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship 
  • NCFE Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (EYE)
  • Level 3 Award in paediatric First Aid or Level 3 Award Emergency Paediatric First Aid.

Career progression after the apprenticeship:

Truthfully, it will be up to you to decide on what you want to do next after the completion of the programme.

There may be a high opportunity to stay in the same company and progress to the next level of your career or apprenticeship. Alternatively, you can also look for a new job or professional development opportunity.