Julie Clarke

You could say that it was music to her ears as Julie works for a small Southend-based company, Genesis I.C.E, that manufacture world class audio equipment and amplifiers for cars that are exported all over the world.

The qualification really opened my eyes and I’m now keen to take on new challenges.

When Julie started the work-based qualification, which meant she could do the course alongside work, she had just been appointed Team Leader of seven people. Initially Julie had been reluctant to do the course as she did not think she had the ability to complete it, but after working through the qualification closely with her Tutor Assessor from South Essex College it soon pumped up the volume of her confidence.

Julie said: "I don’t know what I would have done without the support of my Tutor, as she put me at ease as I was really nervous to begin with. The qualification really opened my eyes and I’m now keen to take on new challenges."

She added: "When most people think of education they think of going back to school, but this was great as the classroom came to me if you like. Doing the qualification at work meant it was part of my work and I could relate it to what I do in my job. If I’m honest I really found it very enjoyable."

Julie isn’t the only person to notice the positive effect. Her boss, Managing Director of Genesis I.C.E., Gordon Taylor, commented: "I’ve seen Julie grow in confidence as her course progressed. It was also a great boost to the rest of the team as Julie’s positivity filtered down."

Manar Akach

Manar was full of praise for his qualification: “It has given me far more confidence and knowledge in the techniques of dealing with people and potential problems in the best way possible, so I now approach my work from a fresh angle.

It’s been great that I’ve been able to learn and get a nationally recognised qualification whilst doing my everyday job

"It’s been great that I’ve been able to learn and get a nationally recognised qualification whilst doing my everyday job. The Assessor from the College has been really supportive and we have worked face-to-face really well together, the course was intensive but rewarding."

Internal Verifier Co-Ordinator, Business and Management for South Essex College is Steve Bond who has worked closely with Manar through both levels of his NVQ. He explained what the qualification delivers and how it has helped Manar progress within the company. Steve said: "The Level 3 course is designed to sharpen and focus someone’s customer service skills, evaluate their job role and help develop themselves and the business they work for, and I think Manar has really done that. He has really grown in the confidence in his own ability to deal with any situation that may arise."

If you are interested in improving you or your companies career prospects please call the Business Development Team, at South Essex College, to see how they can help, on 01702 220600.