Alisha Edwards from Hengoed Caerphilly has seen her career progression soar since completing an apprenticeship with ALS. Within the last 12 months, Alisha has been promoted to Director, completed her diploma and become the President of Novus (CII’s young Professional Group) as well as secretary of Cardiff’s CII committee.
Alisha, 34, is Director of bpw Insurance Services Limited, an independent insurance broker based in Newport. As Director, her role consists of managing the Account Executive Team managing her own portfolio of clients and providing their insurance solutions. Keen to continue developing her skills and knowledge within the sector, Alisha embarked on an Advanced Diploma in Insurance with ALS.
“Working with ALS is great! The expectations are clear and the regular meetings of support are extremely helpful to track progress through the qualification.
Alisha chose to upskill on the job with an apprenticeship, as it enabled her to gain practical skills and knowledge while working in her role.
“The apprenticeship route allowed me to complete 6 units and an NVQ which I found a lot easier as practical evidencing is easier, all depending on everyone’s learning style I suppose. Time is tight in business and its money, so if you have a good assessor like you do at ALS, providing you with examples of the evidence you have to provide for the qualification, it saves you so much time and allows you to move onto another task. Another thing I found most useful was when I asked my team members to complete a questionnaire on how effective I was as a manager. It highlighted some areas of improvement and this feedback can only make you a better manager and contributes to wanting to better yourself as a professional and person.”
Alisha found the support she received from ALS invaluable and recommends everyone in the workplace considering taking on an apprenticeship to upskill.
“I would 100% recommend an apprenticeship to other people. Without any doubt, it has increased my value in the workplace. Also, I’m now able to help and support my team through the same qualifications.”
Alisha has already began seeing the rewards of her qualification as she recently won Hedron Networks Rising Star 2022 Award. The award recognizes individuals who have achieved significant progress in not only their current role, but also in their professional development and the industry itself.
Despite her dizzying array of achievements, Alisha already has her eye fixed on the future.
“I still want to continue my professional development and plan to become ACII qualified in the next 2 years. I also want to gain my fellowship in insurance (FCII) by the time I’m 40!
The Apprenticeship Programme is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund. For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: https://gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.
