Marcus Dodd, Supplies Assistant- Cumbria Constabulary

Before starting your apprenticeship, did you know what to expect or have any concerns about studying an apprenticeship?

“I felt that the work covered may be challenging because this was a totally new area for me, but I found that I had great support from both those internally within my organisation, and those from the SR team. “

Have you used Cognassist? If so, did you find it useful?

“I used Cognassist at the start of my apprenticeship within my onboarding. I found this aspect of the onboarding to be very interesting.”

How does the support you receive at SRSCC help you in working towards your Apprenticeship?

“I found that this enabled me to understand more about the ways in which I think and learn individually. I also found that I could then discuss about the test with my mentor at the time to further clarify areas I perhaps struggled with.”

Have you experienced any struggles or tough moments along the way? If so, how have you overcome them?

“Within the apprenticeship, I have had to overcome many challenges like maintaining consistency with my revision and staying on top of my Aptem work. However, I believe this has enabled me to develop my skillset especially within organising my time effectively! The exams and the topics covered are always another big challenge, but I have really enjoyed the challenge and having the ability to further my professional development with the aid of SR.”

How has the Apprenticeship help you grow as a person and develop your professional skills?

“This apprenticeship has enabled me to develop so many different areas both professionally and individually. I personally have found that this course has enabled me to develop my confidence especially when speaking to people from different companies. This has also subsequently helped with my professional development, as it has helped to give me a wider understanding of the procurement and supply chain industry on a much wider base that that of my own. I have felt that I have been able to develop myself as a person over the last year with SR being a huge part of that.”

Have you had the opportunity to apply what you’ve learnt in real-world scenarios?

“I have been fortunate to be spending more time with a variety of different individually internally. This has therefore given me a great opportunity to not only have a stronger foundation of some of the subject terminology discussed but also collectively within understanding how for example, tenders and public sector procurement operates. One example most recently was that of helping with an ongoing IT tender, where I was able to apply knowledge I had learnt in the classroom, to a real-world scenario!”

What are you enjoying most about your apprenticeship experience?

“Currently I really enjoy meeting and engaging with all the different people from my cohort. I find that I can learn a lot off them and have found each of them to have different knowledge, which I can use to develop myself within both a professional and personal way. Initially I thought that these interactions would be awkward and daunting, but I have consistently enjoyed each the challenge of them.”

What advice would you give to someone contemplating whether to enroll onto an Apprenticeship?

“I would say give it your best, you will need to stay organised and be prepared to work hard. However, with all that being said – there is a fantastic team of people at SR, who will support you and will be there to offer advise and guidance throughout the apprenticeship.”

Have you considered continuing with the next level of study? Would you remain on Apprenticeship route or choose the commercial pathway?

“My aim to continue to complete the CIPS qualifications after I have completed my current Level 3 apprenticeship. I aim to continue with the apprenticeship side, as I believe this gives me a great opportunity to target the knowledge, I have learnt in lessons with SR into my off the job work within my own organisation.”

Marcus’ Line Manager added…

“Marcus has really applied himself throughout his apprenticeship and has been well supported by SRSCC.”

Well done, Marcus! We look forward to following your next chapter on the L4 Commercial Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship with SRSCC.