When Antoniya enrolled on the Serco Education School Business Manager Apprenticeship in 2018 she was one of the very first cohorts to take part in this exciting new qualification. At that time, in post as a Finance Officer for the Trust in Learning (Academies) Antoniya said “I had always wanted to move to a position in the school setting, our Finance Director made me aware of this new qualification, funded by the Apprenticeship Levy, which has been part of the reason that I have now been able to make the move to Assistant School Business Manager at one of the Trust’s schools in Bristol.
The Level 4 Apprenticeship typically takes 21 months to complete (longer for term-time only or part-time employees). The programme includes units on: Leading Support Services, Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Marketing and Infrastructure.
Antoniya continues; “When I first took up the course it seemed like a long process, joining in 2018 and completing in 2020, but now that I am nearing completion I see why it takes that long as you need adequate time to be able to apply what you are learning to your job.
I have enjoyed all the subjects covered and there is something new to learn in each one. I found the finance module to be the easiest due to my experience, but useful and I have been able to apply a lot of what I have learned in school, changing procedures accordingly and making improvements to processes.”
Throughout the programme Apprentices are supported by a coach, a facilitator, their line manager/mentor and also through peer support via online group forum areas and networking opportunities at face-to-face workshops. Apprenticeships also require employers to agree to 20% off-the-job training for the apprentice (which can include attendance at workshops, coaching and review sessions).
Reflecting on the course delivery methods Antoniya said “I attended all the face to face meetings which are great for picking up tips and tools on how to approach the tasks and interpret wording in assignments. My coach is very supportive, we are in regular contact through phone and email.”
Find out more about the Serco Education School Business Manager Apprenticeship.
