Today, we’re sharing a case study with a twist! One of our very own team members, Tanya Hill, completed an apprenticeship alongside her role here at 1st for Awarding. While her apprenticeship wasn’t completed through us, we wanted to hear from Tanya about her experience, how she prepared for her EPA, and any tips she has for apprentices navigating the process today.
Name: Tanya Hill
Company: 1st for Awarding
Apprenticeship standard: Level 5 Operations Manager
Result: Distinction
Which apprenticeship did you do and why did you choose it?
I completed the Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship. I was already working in an operational role and felt it reflected similarly to what I was doing day to day, while also giving me the opportunity to further develop the leadership and strategic skills needed to progress in my role.
What appealed to you about doing an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are an amazing opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while working, and provide a meaningful and practical hands on experience rather than learning that is purely theoretical. I’d completed a couple of NVQ apprenticeships in the past, so I was keen to experience the newer apprenticeship framework too and challenge myself in a different way.
What did you learn through your apprenticeship? (other than what’s written in the standard)
Beyond the technical content, I learned a great deal about self-awareness, confidence, and how to show up as a leader. It really pushed my communication skills and encouraged me to become more reflective. It also strengthened my approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
What were your feelings prior to any assessments taking place, compared to after the event?
The on-programme part of the apprenticeship was a great experience. At times it could be challenging, as I was constantly pushing myself, developing new skills, and tackling some new opportunities, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. In the run up to the EPA, I was so nervous. Despite knowing how prepared I was, nothing quite prepares you for the nerves, and I think that’s completely normal. As an apprentice, you often put a lot of pressure on yourself because you genuinely care about doing well. EPA represents over a year, sometimes two of hard work, it would be strange not to feel nervous.
Afterwards, the overwhelming feeling was pure relief. When I received my results I actually teared up just from relief alone. I’d managed to convince myself that I might have failed, which wasn’t the case at all and it really showed me how powerful your mind can be and how your own expectations can sometimes work against you.
What did you do to prepare for EPA?
I constantly revisited the standard requirements, reviewed my portfolio of evidence, and practised how I would articulate my experiences and examples. Preparation is key, so I focused on practising as much as possible and reviewing my evidence against the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours. Any areas I felt less confident I gave extra focus to until I was.
Do you have any tips for someone going through the EPA process?
Don’t underestimate yourself! You will have learned and grown far more than you realise throughout your apprenticeship. Preparation and practice is invaluable, so take the time to prepare properly and speak confidently about your achievements and knowledge. EPA is there to assess your competence, not to catch you out, so take every opportunity to really shine.
What have you done since completing your apprenticeship?
I’ve continued to build on my learning by putting what I’ve gained into real practice and consistently looking for new ways to develop and advance my skills further.
Do you think having your apprenticeship helped you progress your career?
Absolutely! This apprenticeship has given me both the confidence and the credibility to progress further.
Do you have any other comments you would like to share about your experience?
Overall, the Operations Manager apprenticeship was a challenging but extremely rewarding experience. I would recommend apprenticeships to anyone looking to develop professionally and gain a recognised qualification. It’s a real investment to yourself!
Tanya’s journey shows how apprenticeships can complement a working role while unlocking professional growth. Balancing her studies with her responsibilities at 1st for Awarding, she developed key leadership skills and gained valuable insight into the apprentice experience which is knowledge she now brings to her role as Operations Manager. Her story proves that learning while working isn’t just possible it’s a powerful way to grow, lead, and inspire others.
