Internal Assessment Leader Review

In my role, I am responsible for managing the assessment of IT and Land-based programmes. I work with the Quality Assurance Team and customers to manage the process of submitting learner work and ensuring it is marked to the national standard. I have also worked in Customer Experience as part of my Rotational Apprenticeship.

I have learnt many soft skills in my role. Namely, how to engage with stakeholders at different levels and positions within the hierarchy and manage those relationships in order to encourage collaboration and innovation. I have also learned how to be more confident in presenting information and analysis to colleagues.

As my programme has been rotational, my experience has varied depending on the different companies I have worked at. For example, both my placements within Pearson, the provider, have been excellent and I have felt very supported. However, one of my external placements I did not feel supported, or that my placement within the company had really been thought out.

Pre-pandemic, the programme was very well structured. There was a 4 day working week with the 5th day reserved for scheduled lectures and seminars. This divide allowed me to easily put on my university cap when needed. However, the 20% off the job has also been encouraged throughout the working week, with many of the Self managed learning modules involving making tangible impacts in the workplace.

I have been very well supported by Pearson in both my job role and as an apprentice. My line manager has been extremely supportive of my studies and has always encouraged me to ask for more flexibility if required. The training provider has also been very supportive of any concerns I've had in the workplace.

Pre-pandemic there was plenty of support available within the college. There is still support available, however it is easy to feel isolated at home and to forget to be proactive and reach out for support when needed. However, the mechanisms are there and I think the provider does a good job of making me aware via email.

My business management qualification has helped me to develop a lot of the soft skills that have served me well in the workplace. For example, as part of the course, I have done presentations to assessors which has helped me to build the skills when I am presenting to stakeholders in my job role.

There are lots of professional networking groups and employee resource groups to get involved in such as the LGBTQ network, mental health first aiders etc... I would like there to be more sports activities available although I appreciate this is difficult due to budgets and the pandemic at this time.

Yes

I truly believe that Pearson values their employee's well-being beyond making sure they are meeting the requirements of their job role. I believe they truly care bout developing their talent and helping them to progress in their careers throughout the business. I also feel that there are plenty of opportunities for progression.

I would advise having a strong understanding of Pearson core values and beliefs and ensuring that these are aligned with your own. Namely, Pearson cares about learning and education, and I would advise others applying to Pearson to think about why learning and development are so important to them too.