Reading has its first apprentice
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Emma Mason
'Progress South Central and the University have given me the time, support and opportunity to come this far. I am now working towards an NVQ 3'
The University of Reading's first apprentice has successfully obtained her Business and Administration Award administered by the West Berkshire Training Consortium. Emma Mason, Administrative Assistant in Progress South Central, only started work at the University in July 2010 and has already completed her NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration.
Paul Gallagher, Deputy Director of Progress South Central said; "Emma is the first employee at the University who has been supported with work based learning to achieve an apprenticeship. It is hoped that she will not be the last."
An apprenticeship consists of a framework of components:
- A competence based element - a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
- A knowledge based element - the Technical Certificate
- Transferable or 'key' skills
- Employer and employee rights and responsibilities
All of these components must be passed or gained by prior accreditation.
Emma's achievement is particularly noteworthy in that Level 2 typically takes a year to complete; Emma completed her Level 2 apprenticeship in 6 months.
"From my role at Progress South Central, I have taken on a range of challenges that have enabled me to gain skills and experience to achieve my NVQ 2 in Business Administration", said Emma.
"Progress South Central and the University have given me the time, support and opportunity to come this far. I am now working towards an NVQ 3 to gain advanced skills in Business Administration thanks to my colleagues and mentors."
Emma's success has been celebrated by the National Apprenticeship Service with the display of the Progress South Central logo on their web site and with the award of an Apprenticeship Employer Certificate. The certificate recognises businesses for their commitment and support to apprenticeships - and ensures their customers do too.
Progress South Central, the Lifelong Learning Network for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey, which is hosted by the University is directly funded by HEFCE.