Building a structured foundation

Q: How did you first hear about quality as a career?

A: I first heard about quality as a career when I was searching for a new job after leaving my previous role. My background involved conducting scientific investigations and analysing results against applicable standards, so I was looking for a position where I could apply those skills. That’s when I came across roles in quality and realised that they require similar analytical and problem-solving abilities. While I had some exposure to quality in my previous role, I’d never considered it as a long-term career until then.

Q: Why did you decide to take this apprenticeship?

A: I wanted a structured foundation on which to build my career in quality. I have a strong drive to expand my knowledge, and this apprenticeship provided a fantastic opportunity to explore a new field. Additionally, I recognised the value the apprenticeship would bring, not just for my own development but also for the business. Enhancing my understanding of quality would allow me to further improve and advance the implementation of quality in the business.

Q: What objectives did you hope to achieve and did the course meet those expectations?

A: As mentioned previously, I wanted to build a strong foundation in quality principles, and also enhance my proficiency in applying process improvement tools, as well as developing my stakeholder management skills so that I can effectively lead projects. The course not only met but exceeded my expectations, providing numerous opportunities to apply my learning to real-world challenges within my organisation. Being able to immediately put new knowledge into practice really reinforced its value, helping me see firsthand how these tools drive improvement.

"I now approach challenges with a more structured mindset, which has allowed me to drive improvements in nonconformance management."

Harry Richards, Compliance Systems Coordinator at Advanced Engineering Techniques Ltd

Q: What were the key highlights of what you learned?

A: Some key highlights for me include gaining a deeper understanding of risk assessment tools like FMEA, structured problem-solving techniques, and process mapping and analysis tools such as SIPOC and Ishikawa. I particularly enjoyed learning new approaches to managing stakeholder engagement, which has equipped me with the skills to introduce and implement new ideas effectively.

Q: How has completing the apprenticeship impacted you and your work?

A: It has provided me with a wealth of understanding and knowledge to apply in the workplace. I now approach challenges with a more structured mindset, which has allowed me to drive improvements in nonconformance management. It has also boosted my confidence in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, enabling me to communicate effectively and reinforce the idea that quality is a shared responsibility within the organisation.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking of doing the L4 Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship?

A: I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to build a career in quality or expand their knowledge of its many tools and methodologies. My advice would be to stay open to learning, take the opportunities when and where you can to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios, and always consider how your improvements can positively impact those around you – that’s where the real culture change begins.

Also, learn from the experiences and challenges of your course mates; their insights might help you navigate similar situations in the future.