Tyne North Training: “Our apprentices have continued to thrive in their learning journeys”

Tyne North Training is a well-established provider of engineering training that has experienced significant growth in recent years. In addition to specialising in engineering, they offer Business Administration and Customer Service apprenticeships, supporting a range of  employers to enhance their apprenticeship programmes.  

Currently, Tyne North Training have more than 340 apprentices working with over 100 local employers across the North East of England, priding themselves on employing Training Officers who are sector specialists. These Training Officers ensure that every apprentice receives guidance from professionals, with first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge of their role and the relevant apprenticeship standards.  

Tyne North Training offer the Level 3 Business Administration and the Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner apprenticeships in partnership with NCFE. We sat down with their Senior Training Officer, Nicola Smith, to find out about her experience of working with us to deliver end-point assessment (EPA).  

Q: Can you tell us about your cohort of learners?  

A: “Tyne North Training’s Business Administrator apprenticeship roles are diverse, spanning small and large businesses across the public, private, and charitable sectors. The majority of our BA3 and CSP2 opportunities are within engineering and manufacturing companies. These roles may involve working independently or as part of a team, with a focus on developing, implementing, maintaining and improving administrative services.  

“Business Administrators gain essential skills and behaviours to support their progression towards managerial roles. Our Customer Service Practitioner apprentices focus on delivering high-quality products and services to their organisation’s customers. Their primary responsibility is to provide excellent customer service, in the workplace, digitally, or in the customer’s own location, particularly with our larger employers.”  

Q: How has offering this apprenticeship standard impacted your learners?  

A: “Learners continue to secure excellent placement opportunities with reputable and supportive employers. This has had a tremendous impact on individuals, helping them to secure future career opportunities.”  

Q: Why did you choose to work with NCFE for EPA?  

A: “From the start of our transition to apprenticeship standards, we received full support from the NCFE team. Their strong reputation impressed us, as did the high level of communication and assistance they provided. NCFE has remained proactive and continues to maintain excellent communication with us.” 

Q: How has NCFE supported and advised you throughout EPA?  

A: “Throughout our apprenticeship journey, we’ve always felt confident that any queries, challenges, or issues have been promptly addressed and fully supported by the NCFE team. The resources available are excellent, having a dedicated point of contact has been particularly valuable with EPA support.” 

Q: What progression routes have your learners pursued after completing their EPA? 

A: “Many of our apprentices have remained with their employers, progressing in their roles by taking on additional responsibilities. Some have been promoted and now serve as mentors within their organisations. We’re particularly proud of our impressive success rate, which aligns with the industry standards. Despite the challenges of recent years, including remote working, our apprentices have continued to thrive in their learning journeys.   

“Several of our apprentices joined us as school leavers, having experienced the disruption of the pandemic during their final school years. Their accomplishments have been remarkable, some have progressed to university, advanced to senior roles within their organisations, or pursued new opportunities.” 

Q: Would you recommend NCFE’s EPA service to others? 

A: “Absolutely, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the service and support we’ve consistently received from NCFE. Having a dedicated point of contact has been incredibly helpful, the ongoing support through regular Teams meetings provides great reassurance.” 

A former Level 3 apprentice shares their experience in completing a Business Administrator apprenticeship with Tyne North Training and NCFE:  

A: “I found the apprenticeship incredibly fulfilling and believe it has helped me gain valuable insights into all aspects of the business. I am pleased to have secured a full-time role within the organisation. 

“The EPA process was straightforward, and I had a clear understanding of everything involved. After completing the required time and assessments to achieve the qualification, I felt confident in maintaining my targets for the role.” 

We offer our EPA service in a number of sectors with a growing workforce need. You can find out more about our EPA offering here.