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Business Administration Level 8

Case Study 4

Emily Michie

Senior Clerical Officer – Moray Alcohol & Drugs Partnership

“It is a very valuable opportunity and has changed my life. I have completed an SVQ level 8 in 13 Months while working full time and helping to cover work for other members of staff.”
Virtual Learning Academy - Emily Michie

What is your job role and responsibilities?

I worked with Moray Council within the Education department from September 2018 to December 2019. During this time I have worked within various offices including Children & Family Social Work and Criminal Justice Services. My main duties included typing, organising meetings, taking minutes and management of various educational applications. This included Educational Maintenance Allowance, National Entitlement Cards and Educational Trust Applications.

What was your motivation behind undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship has helped me learn as well as gain valuable work experience. I struggle to concentrate and understand within a class environment. I find it easier to learn while doing the job.

What advice would you give someone thinking about doing a Modern Apprenticeship?

Go for it! It’s a more effective way of learning in my opinion. You get paid while working and gaining a qualification. If you can get a good work to study balance in place you will be able to complete the course with no issues.

How has your Modern Apprenticeship contributed to your current job role?

It is a very valuable opportunity and has changed my life. I have completed an SVQ level 8 in 13 Months while working full time and helping to cover work for other members of staff. I found it very interesting and I have learnt so much about different laws and legislation which has massively helped with my work.

Has your Modern Apprenticeship met your expectations?

I was unsure what to expect. I knew that I would not have to go into a classroom which excited me but I was also fearful about lack of support as it was virtual learning. I was very surprised and enjoyed the course. I was given loads of support by my tutor and she was able to answer any little questions or queries either by a telephone appointment or by emails.

Any other comments about VLA and your qualification?

The staff at VLA were so helpful and friendly when contacting them to find out what qualification and courses were available. Once I had agreed on a course, they came to my workplace to go over the course and then once started, they regularly visited to catch up and provide face to face support. The tutors are very attentive and are happy to help, even if it’s just wording a question in a different way.

I completed my course in December 2019 I have now been successful in securing a Senior Clerical Officer post with the Moray Alcohol & Drug Partnership in Moray Council. I am very grateful to all of the VLA staff for their help and support with completing my SVQ.

Moray Alcohol & Drug Partnership
“I was given loads of support by my tutor and she was able to answer any little questions or queries either by a telephone appointment or by emails.”

Interested in gaining a Business Administration qualification?