Name: Leah Cordall
Training Provider: Velocity
Company: Wakefield Hospice
Apprenticeship standard: Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer
Result: Distinction
Which apprenticeship did you do and why did you choose it?
Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer. I chose this apprenticeship because I have a strong interest in design and content creation. After doing some research into different career paths, I discovered that marketing roles closely matched my interests and skills.
What appealed to you about doing an apprenticeship?
I knew that pursuing an apprenticeship was right for me because I didn’t want to go to university but I was still interested in building a career. Doing an apprenticeship allowed me to earn money whilst working towards a qualification and learning skills which were relevant to the role. Knowing that I would gain a qualification at the end of my apprenticeship was important to me so I can continue my progression. I wasn’t aware that apprenticeships were even an option until around a year or two before looking for one, so when I found out that they existed I knew that it was right option for me.
What did you learn through your apprenticeship? (other than what’s written in the standard)
As well as learning the fundamentals of marketing throughout my apprenticeship, I have also learned a lot from my employer. My manager has taught me a lot and has helped me to develop my skills and confidence within my role. Throughout my apprenticeship, I have become more independent and have learned how to manage my time more effectively. Working within a small team has also helped me to understand how to prioritise tasks and stay organised in order to meet deadlines and support the wider organisation.
What were your feelings prior to any assessments taking place, compared to after the event?
Regardless of revising a lot before my EPA, I felt very nervous prior to taking the assessment. I was also quite nervous during the assessment itself and afterwards while waiting for my results. I had never done an exam online before in this style and have been used to written exams which I prefer as I have more time to write and think about my answers.
How would you describe your EPA experience with your assessor and 1st for Awarding in general?
Throughout my actual EPA I did feel anxious however the assessor did help me to feel more at ease as it went on. Overall, my experience with the assessor and 1st for Awarding was positive, and the assessment process felt well organised.
What did you do to prepare for EPA?
I did one ‘mock’ EPA with my training provider and had the option to do another but chose not to. For around two weeks leading up to my EPA, I spent time each evening revising the KSBs and writing potential answers or key words that could help me respond to questions that might come up during the assessment. I found using flashcards particularly helpful, and colour coding different topics also helped me to remember information more effectively.
I also printed off all of 1st for Awarding’s EPA guidance sheets to support my revision, and finally I created a table help with revision and again wrote potential keywords and answers for each KSB.
Do you have any tips for someone going through the EPA process?
My main advice would be to revise. It may not be something you want to do, but it is only one or two weeks out of your life for a qualification that will benefit you for the rest of your career. I’d say find a revision method that works for you, whether that is listening to music while revising, going to a coffee shop, drawing diagrams, using flashcards or writing practice answers. On the day of your EPA read through the KSB’s before you go sit your EPA so they’re fresh in your mind, and don’t overthink it. The EPA is just you talking about what you do at work so as long as you can explain why you do what you do and the impacts on the business that your work has, you’ll be fine.
What have you done since completing your apprenticeship?
Since completing my apprenticeship, I have continued working in my role and applying the skills and knowledge I developed during my apprenticeship. I have been able to take on more responsibility within marketing tasks such as creating the internal staff newsletter, planning and delivering external campaigns and supporting wider marketing activities throughout the organisation. Completing this apprenticeship has also given me more confidence in my abilities and helped me to develop my skills.
Do you think having your apprenticeship helped you progress your career?
Yes definitely. Having the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship was really valuable for me, as I did not want to go to university. It allowed me to begin my career in an area I was genuinely interested in and helped to kick start my career in an area that I want to continue pursuing.
Would you recommend 1st for Awarding to friend?
Yes, I was really happy with 1st for Awarding. I felt that the process leading up to my EPA, as well as the assessment itself, ran smoothly.
