Team Manager Nicola Murphy chatted to us about the Information, Advice and Guidance qualifications her team are taking with us, and what it’s been like to work with TSW Training Apprenticeships.
Could you just tell me a little bit about the company and what you do there?
My name’s Nicola Murphy, and I work for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council as a Team Manager within the Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS). Within YEPS I manage the 16+ Support team, so I’ve got a cohort of staff who work predominantly with young people who are 16 to 25 years old.
My team work with a wide variety of young people, those who are not attending school, young people who are in college, those who aren’t engaged in any education, employment or training, those at risk of homelessness and many more. We also provide support to young people attending special schools and Pupil Referral Units in RCT and we offer support to young people who are educated other than at school.
It sounds really busy, but it sounds like such important work as well within the community. How many of your team are learning with us, Nicola?
Four. A previous member of my team who moved on to another role in the Council, is also still learning with you.
And they’re all doing Information, Advice and Guidance courses?
Yes, it’s part of their job specification – they have to start the IAG course within two years of starting their role.
Why did you pick TSW Training as your apprenticeship provider?
You’ve done it previously and you’ve always been there. I get email responses pretty much straight away. You’re easy to deal with. I’ve never had any poor feedback from the staff, you know? So I’ve never had to look elsewhere, I’ve just carried on with you.
Amazing. And how well do we keep you updated on the teams’ progress?
Oh gosh, it’s unbelievable. Brilliant. Lisa is amazing. I think the moment she must finish the sessions with my staff, she emails me. It’s really quick.
And how well do we meet your needs?
I’ve never had any instance to be dissatisfied or ask you to change what you’re doing or amend something because there’s never been any need. The staff are all quite happy.
I think Lisa’s always pitched herself to the staff’s needs. Some staff have been through quite a lot, and Lisa’s always been understanding of their sometimes challenging circumstances. I think Lisa has been really good with them.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about signing up for apprenticeships with TSW?
Without a doubt, I’ve no hesitation about recommending TSW at all.