What our clients and learners say about us.
Employer | Autumn House Nursing Home
"Gaynor and Nikki are absolutely fantastic, they are very knowledgeable and work well with all of my employees. I can honestly say they are the best assessors I have ever worked with."
Joan Selkirk | Archangel Care
"I am not good with computers and I said this to my tutor, Nikki and she was great explained it step by.
I phoned and text her lots of times and she never once let me down. The staff at Stepping Stones were great too as Nikki was on holiday I would call them and they helped me also."
Will Sherwin, MD | Best of British Beer:
"We've worked with the team at Stepping Stones for over 6 years now and they've played a really important part in the growth of my company. They have successfully placed 5 candidates with us in both Business Administration and Warehousing and the support they have given the apprentices is excellent. The sourcing of the right applicants and giving them the training they require and deserve have been key pillars in our business relationship. I would have no hesitation in recommending Stepping Stones as a partner to develop your apprenticeship programme."
Matthew Amos recently completed a Warehousing and Storage Level 2 Apprenticeship.
Background: I completed a previous qualification with Kerry and wanted to progress onto a new area.
Achievements: Customer Service Level 2, Warehousing and Storage Level 2 and Functional Skills level 2 Maths and English.
Support: I felt that Kerry gave me a lot of support during my qualifications as I felt at times I was struggling.
Comments: Thank you for all your hard work in passing my qualifications.
Becky Smith recently completed a Customer Service Level 3 Apprenticeship.
Background: I wanted to work towards being supervisor as my current job-support worker for people with learning disabilities and to learn and gain qualifications.
Achievements: Getting a job as a support worker. Updating my English and Maths Functional Skills. Learning more about the Customer Service Industry. Currently acting supervisor whilst my supervisor is away.
Support: Kerry Jones has supported me all through my course. She was very helpful, explained questions I didn't understand, advise on things to ask at interviews and working on my CV.
Jessica Cartwright recently completed a Customer Service Level 3 Apprenticeship.
Background: I achieved the standard GCSE's in school then found a job at Farmfoods. I started working towards the supervisor role and decided completing a qualification would help to reach this goal. I completed my Level 2 and 3 in Customer Service with Stepping Stones and thought the Level 3 in Management would be a good addition.
Achievements: I received the supervisor position at my store and it was quite clear all my apprenticeship learning helped me get that by expanding my knowledge. I did my Functional Skills as well which developed beyond what they originally were.
Support: My personal tutor, Kerry Jones, was the best person to help me in every way. She took into consideration my illness and issues then would find ways around it to help me progress. I firmly believe that without her assistance, I would of failed or dropped out.
Chantelle Tallent recently completed a Business Administration Level 2 Apprenticeship.
Background: Currently an employee at Woolcool, I really wanted to improve my education but thought I couldn't now that I am employed. I'm happy that Stepping Stones offered me a chance and now I can continuously work harder.
Achievements: Completed Functional Skills (Maths) which I have been attempting to pass several times and finally completed thanks to all the help and support from Clare, who never doubted me, even when I doubted myself.
Support: I was unsure about starting the Business Admin course as I was slightly put off from my previous college, not gaining enough support with my work and not having any motivation. I have got to say, I'm really I did it. I had a lot of questions at the start and was feeling very curious, but I received all the information I needed which made me feel positive to starting the course. Clare was my tutor for the Business Admin Level 2 and I have recently started another course for Customer Service Level 3 with Clare being my tutor again. In all the time I've been in education, I never actually had someone who is happy to help, not because they have to as it's part of their job but because they actually want to see you achieve something through completion. I think that makes a huge difference for myself as the learner and gives me the right attitude when I think I can't do something. This also helps me gain more confidence as a person, especially when you have someone who tells you that you can do something you thought you never could.
Comments: I would like to thank Stepping Stones for the knowledge given and the opportunity for me obtaining my qualification. I would also like to personally thank Clare who has helped me enormously to gain confidence and gave me a 'can do' attitude to anything that I thought I couldn't do. I've learnt a lot through my Business course and most importantly, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Stepping Stones deliver a welcoming, professional service, a wide range of outstanding courses and wonderful staff. I would not of been able to do it without the support from Clare. Would definitely recommend.
Employer | J&L Recruitment
"I would like to thank Rebecca and the team at Stepping Stones for the superb service given to J&L Recruitment during the training and development of our apprentice Millie. From the start, communication was superb, Rebecca did a full training needs analysis to identify the skills set for the role, in order to implement and bespoke the training to our requirements, and provide Millie with a full set of skills to enable her to carry out her role effectively. Once Millie was in place, the assessors were excellent, they involved me in the training plan, requesting regular feedback in order to tweak and develop Millie's skills further, this partnership approach I feel is unique and something that sets Stepping Stones apart from other apprentice providers. Communication has been excellent throughout and they have managed to balance ensuring the learning was not only challenging but relevant and structured."
Nathan Colcombe recently completed a Warehouse and Storage Level 2 Apprenticeship.
Background: Previous educational history - Functional Skills English and Maths in College.
Previous employment - Warehouses - Continual development. I came as a cleaner and now I am a warehouse and stock officer I wanted to develop my own knowledge and understanding. I want to be able to step up to any role and have full confidence in what I am achieving. I want to develop my professional abilities in the role and be successful in progression routes.
Achievements: Warehouse and Storage Level 2 - Completed. Ongoing and almost completed Warehouse and Storage Level 3. I would like to progress onto another course with Clare my assessor when completed my Level 3.
Support: Clare listens to me and helps me in difficult times. She is patient and understanding, positive attitude in all areas, never pressures me and allows me to make all my decisions.
Comments: My confidence has developed significantly when communicating to people. My communication has come on leaps and bounds, due to my confidence increasing. I have great support from Clare throughout the qualifications that I have completed and any information I need, she has always been there to offer it to me. Clare will listen to me and brighten up my day when I come and talk to her. I would love to continue with Stepping Stones and continue to see the growth of my skills with the help from Clare :)
Employer | MAM Logistics Ltd
"The Assessor, Clare, is nice and always keeps me up-to-date."
Employer | Woolcool
"Stepping Stones are a very good training provider. Clare does an outstanding Job!"
Employer | Gill Maiden
"I am very happy with the service we receive from everyone at Stepping Stones, especially Tracey."
Employer | Smyths - Kidderminster
"I am very happy with our assessor, Kerry. She kept us involved with everything."
Employer | United Carpets
"The assessor, Tracey, is lovely, she always goes over and above to help everyone."
Employer | The Werrington Salon
"I am very satisfied with Stepping Stones, the assessor, Tracey, is very friendly and helpful."
Rachel McGlynn | Autumn House Nursing Home
"Gaynor & Nikki have worked extremely hard to support me with my NVQ work. There has never been a dull moment and nothing is to much trouble, I have enjoyed every minute of their support and teaching methods. I think that Stepping Stones is truly privileged to have extremely caring, dedicated tutors that go above and beyond for the students."
Klaudia Szklarska recently completed a Warehouse and Storage Level 2 Apprenticeship.
Background: During my employment at Woolcool, Clare was introduced to me as a training advisor via other colleagues who were training with Clare, my assessor. In Woolcool, I was working as a Warehouse Operative and Clare and I had a discussion about the qualifications Stepping Stones could offer me. This was a great opportunity to develop my confidence, skills and knowledge along with career prospects. It seemed like a great opportunity to progress and see growth in my own understanding of my role. Clare adapted her style and working methods to suit my needs as English is not my first language. Clare was patient and took the time to listen to me and understand my individual needs. Clare is always there when I need help with any of my assessments, we communicate through email, phone, face to face and she always takes the time out to help me.
Achievements: Warehouse and Storage is completed and now I have been promoted into the research and development department of Woolcool. I am now a Key Employee in the company, designing packaging, bespoke products and testing our standard lines to improve our products. I have a better understanding of English and Maths and feel more confident with my ability to communicate with others internally and externally. I have learnt to think about problem solving using different approaches and learning more in taking a different route.
Support: Clare gives me a push and makes me feel motivated when it comes to work and achieving my personal and professional goals. Sometimes in the meetings, Clare will listen to me and advise me on areas that I haven't considered. She always makes me feel that a problem is no problem at all. I look forward to seeing Clare at work.
Comments: Thank you for everything - I am loving doing my Business Admin course with you.
As a Technology business we find ourselves constantly evolving and embracing our customer portfolio with new technology, which meant that we needed to upskill our own workforce and embrace a new Millennial workforce with the agility and a desire to take our business on an exciting journey.
With this in mind we recognised that developing and encouraging an apprenticeship programme would support the company’s strategy of training and developing “home-grown” talent, and as a result this would be a great programme of driving the business on its ambitious expansion pathway.
We met with Annetta and discussed the type of apprenticeship that we wanted to adopt and were filled with immense confidence that our requirements would be met without a lot of time consuming interviewing and screening processes to slow the process down.
We effectively wanted a “Nugget” that would fit our work ethics and culture whilst offering a malleable and enthusiastic attitude to learning and developing, which we are grateful to them for in finding us our “Nugget” in an extremely efficient and expedient way.
Working with Stepping Stones has provided us a great partnership vehicle that allows us to develop our team to a high standard culture and to capitalise on their expertise in training and development via a workplace apprenticeship programme.
This partnership will provide a continuous pipeline of skills and development training to help drive the business forward for which I can only thank you and recommend you for… Many thanks Annetta and your team at Stepping Stones
Employer | AdGiftsOnline Limited
"I would like to thank Becky and Stepping Stones Education and Training Ltd for helping my company train our recent apprentice. The assessor they provided, Gaynor, was very professional and thorough and helped Rachel sail through her Level 3 Business Administration NVQ.
I have great faith and no hesitation in recommending Becky for any of your training needs."
Employer | FS Furniture
"Apprenticeships are a brilliant opportunity for local businesses to do things properly. They help to develop people's skills and you definitely get something back. After working with Stepping Stones, I realised it's a win, win situation."
Employer | Alice Charity
"Alice Charity have recently been able to take on two new apprentices and have used Rebecca's services to do so.
Throughout the process, Rebecca remained professional and patient, knowing how chaotic the third sector can be. She allowed us time to make decisions and did not pressure us in any way. As a result we now have two fantastic apprentices who are brimming with potential. We are already wondering what we did before we had them and they have been with us less than a month.
Rebecca displayed an understanding of what is "right" for Alice, and that what might be right for many other companies, may not fit our model and values. She kept this in mind throughout and the service has been second to none.
I would not hesitate to recommend Stepping Stones and Rebecca to anyone looking to expand their workforce with the inclusion of apprentices on their team."
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