Quality Practitioner Completes her Apprenticeship with a Distinction

How have you found the apprenticeship here at SOCOTEC?

I’ve really enjoyed learning while working at SOCOTEC. I’ve received constant support from all teams including operations managers at Uxbridge, the Quality Assurance team and especially the head of quality – Luigi Sorrentino for his guidance and support throughout my apprenticeship journey.

What did your programme entail?

My apprenticeship consisted of assignments, coursework and an end point assessment (EPA) to help gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry to ensure the organisation fulfils the contractual and regulatory requirements of the customers, other stakeholders and develop skills. The course work consisted of quality modules of quality management systems, quality planning, quality control and continuous improvement.

The EPA involved a work-based project and presentation, following with a Q&A and a one-hour professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

What are your next steps for your career?

My aspiration is to achieve Chartered Quality Professional status. I’ve recently had discussions regarding my next steps and currently looking to pursue my career in both a technical and quality management to ensure that I continue to develop and enhance my skills.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship at SOCOTEC?

I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship at SOCOTEC with opportunity and support available during learning and working.

What accomplishment have you achieved during your apprenticeship that you are most proud of and why?

I’ve gained knowledge and skills to become a fully qualified quality practitioner and I’m committed to continuous professional development with CQI practitioner membership. During my work-based project on effective stakeholder management using quality induction to drive requirement compliance, I was able to develop and deliver a quality induction presentation to operatives and managers at Uxbridge materials laboratory. They all felt very confident and gave positive feedback on my approach taken to make quality a way of life at SOCOTEC UK. They understood why quality is important and their responsibility to ensure quality compliance requirements are met in all areas of their work.

What advice would you give to our current apprentices?

SOCOTEC is a great place to work where you can communicate with all teams and divisions who have a great amount of experience and expertise to help you achieve your goals.

What is your new job title and what are your responsibilities?

My job title has not yet changed. I’m a quality assurance and technical support manager and am now ready to take on new challenges. My responsibilities are maintenance of local quality control in compliance with ISO 17025:2017, provide technical training and assessment of operatives and administrators, checking and approval of materials test reports, management and control of proficiency testing, also management of the equipment and training database.