Learning while working

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

A: While I was completing a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship. Part of my work-based learning involved understanding some quality improvement tools and principles, such as process approach, and how to implement these into my organisation.

At this stage in my development, I discovered that quality assurance was a full-time role that I could progress into and felt it was a good fit to my personality and my career goals.

Q: What was your first quality role?

A: Quality apprentice at my current organisation, TT Electronics. I started in this role in 2021, and began my apprenticeship with Whyy? Change at the same time. I worked alongside the quality, health, safety and environment (QHSE) manager while developing my quality knowledge and skills, both in the workplace and with Whyy? Change.

Q: Why did you decide to undertake further learning?

A: After achieving a distinction in my business administration apprenticeship, I felt confident that I could progress my learning further and found a particular interest in quality assurance.

I liked the apprenticeship route because I could learn alongside my day-to-day work and could focus all my attention on my development, academically and professionally. It gave me the opportunity to gain industry experience alongside my learning, and the chance to meet and work with other quality professionals.

Q: Why did you choose this course?

A: I felt it would be challenging, yet rewarding. It offered a skill set that would not only guarantee a single career path, but would also create opportunities in various fields and industries.

Q: What objectives and outcomes did you hope to achieve, and has it met your expectations?

A: Throughout my learning, I not only wanted to develop my quality skills, but also my soft skills, such as confidence and communication. The apprenticeship exceeded my expectations in developing these skill sets, and I feel it has set me up well for my quality career.

Q: How has this qualification impacted on you and your work?

A: It has had a significant impact on my career, as it has allowed me to progress much faster than I ever anticipated. Working alongside other quality professionals outside of my organisation has allowed me to integrate ideas into my own work, to better myself and my organisation.

Q: What advice would you give others who are considering doing this qualification?

A: I would definitely recommend a quality-based qualification – and career – to anyone who may be considering it. The advice I would give to future Level 4 Quality Practitioners would be to make the most of your sessions and use the knowledge and experience of your tutor. I would also advise familiarising yourself with the course’s knowledge, skills and behaviours, to support a smooth and successful end-point assessment.