"Having completed my Apprenticeship in retail I was encouraged to progress with my Development and under take an Advanced Apprenticeship. My Assessor Nicola was at all times very flexible and supportive. Nicola was approachable and understanding – giving me guidance and training in areas that were a challenge to me. Unfortunately, I was recently made Redundant and Nicola advised that I could complete my qualification in centre. Having completed my full qualification Nicola then gave further support and guidance around Interview techniques and applying for jobs. I have recently been successful with an application and I must Thank Nicola for all she has done for me.
Nicola exceeded all expectations and she gave me back my confidence.
Bryan White, Apprentice
"I have been very impressed with the professional standing that GP has consistently demonstrated. My staff have been working towards their NVQ in Customer Service and, through their achievement, the store has benefited due to the improved service that we deliver. Sue Hibbert, the Assessor, has been a source of knowledge and support to all the staff and has guided them through their training."
Emlyn Hughes, Store Manager - Homebase
"Having just completed my second qualification with General Physics I feel that I would like to say that I have been very impressed with the friendly but professional manner my Assessor portrayed at all times. Nicola was very knowledgeable and flexible and went out of her way to support and guide me through my qualifications. When Nicola was advised that I was being made redundant she made time to visit with me more frequently which sometimes meant that she had to work evenings and week ends. Nicola was always very happy to do this and put my needs above anything else. I would like to thank Nicola very much for all her help and guidance and enabling me to achieve my Apprenticeship".
Bryan White - Learner, Woolworths
"His manner was lovely, easy-going and friendly and he struck a good balance between that and a professional manner. He did well with us, we were a bit of a tough group I thought!”
“I thought the meeting was short, concise and to the point without boring waffle, he encouraged questions which developed conversation rather than harbouring a point, so it was simple and effective. It is an exciting and useful company to know about. Great easy to listen to and clear and precise information provided. Useful to know about the opportunities like this out there".
Staff Members from ownit-limited commenting on John Jenkins, BD Consultant, GP Gateshead
"When I was approached to complete an Apprenticeship I was very wary. I had not done any qualification since leaving school and did not like the idea of having to sit tests again. My Assessor, Carol, took time out to explain all aspects of my qualification and also we completed a Learning Plan which I could follow. Carol gave me additional training and coaching especially around the Technical Certificate and Key Skills and it was such a boost to my confidence when I passed. Carol has been an inspiration and she kept me motivated at all times. I have grown in confidence and I am now able to cascade my new learnt knowledge to my colleagues. Having completed my Apprenticeship I am now progressing to level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship".
Hannah Simmons - Instore
"I was given an indepth presentation by Susan Murphy of General Physics regarding the features and benefits around Apprenticeships and NVQ’s. I was immediately impressed with the professionalism and positive attitude that she portrayed. This impression has never waivered and it is also very evident within all General Physics staff. I was given exceptional guidance and support from my Assessor Carol who also gave me the confidence to complete my qualification. Having completed my NVQ I would recommend General Physics and encourage everyone complete an NVQ".
Ann Fol, Manager - Instore
"I am really grateful for all the help with key skills that Gaynor Connor Assessor has given me and I am really enjoying my NVQ".
Elizabeth Crabtree - Oxfam
"I have previously completed a paper based NVQ and am really surprised how quick, easy & flexible the envq system is".
Sue Cremin – Johnsons
"I have seen all the benefits of completing my qualification with General Physics. We are a family run business and do not always have the opportunity to develop ourselves. When I was approached by General Physics I was unsure of how we could “ make the time “ to complete the qualifications. Amanda our Assessor gave us good initial guidance on how our qualification could be assessed and all the varying assessment methods. Amanda was very flexible and through her understanding, support and guidance we have now all completed our qualifications. One of the Team has also taken on further development by progressing to Level 3. I would recommend that everyone undertakes this a qualification with General Physics."
Tina Cranston - Owner Brides By Tina
"My email is regarding the envq I am currently undertaking in customer contact agents level 2. I am very pleased at the help and guidance I have received in helping me proceed through my course from my assessor, I am very happy with my progress and also while working certain shift patterns I thought this would cause a problem to be able to fit into my working day.. but with the organisation and help of my assessor I have achieved this with ease."
Matt Johnson - Learner, Garlands Call Centre
"The NVQ I'm doing through General Physics is great. Its given me a chance to gain a qualification whilst working, without any pressure. The support I have received from my tutor has been brilliant and has given me the confidence that I can complete the course. In turn this will help me be able to develop my career - I can't thank GP enough for this."
Andy Fury - Learner, Garlands Call Centre
"This is in regards to the envq I am undertaking in customer contact agents level 2. I have found this course to be very beneficial to what I would like to do in the future. I am very pleased with my progress through out the course and the help and guidance from my assessor. She has been very supportive and manages to help me fit the course in around my work."
Zoë Hunter - Learner, Garlands Call Centre
"I have now been working with Donna, from General Physics, for a substantial amount of time. During this time I have found her professionalism and hard work, goes well above and beyond her role. Donna has not only supported me throughout every aspect of the course, with the patience of saint. As I have had to work around my new role as within garlands. This has caused some hurdles within the training, although Donna has always strived to be flexible for me. The course in general is proving to be a challenge, although has boosted my confidence within the business."
Matthew Crossley – Team Manager, Garlands Call Centre
"As Lauren Taylors Employer I would like to congratulate both Lauren and General Physics for all their hard work and effort.The support and guidance that Lauren has received from her Assessor Cheryl has been exemplary. I was delighted to be with Lauren as she accepted her Learner of the month award. This was a great surprise to Lauren who has been motivated from the start but now has determination to take her development to a higher level. Many thanks GP and well done."
Yvonne Ellis, Jayz
"Working in Partnership with General Physics we have seen a substantial difference in the Customer Service Department. We are taking all our staff through the Customer Service Apprenticeship and it has made significant difference to the Team. General Physics also offer Equal Opportunities Training and this has been well received by all staff who attended."
Alison McAllistar - Team Leader, Ladbrokes
"General Physics has helped me gain various qualifications within the workplace. I am very happy I have been able to carry on learning within my current job. All GP staff have been very helpful and supportive."
Rebecca Green Learner, Ladbrokes (currently on 3rd qualification)
"I would like to thank Lisa Hutchins for all the help and guidance she has given to me since starting my NVQ. Lisa has given me support, inspiration, making me feel more confident. You are very lucky to have such a lovely lady working within your company."
Mrs Gillian Winter - Learner, The Yarn Barn, Southsea
"I am the Team leader of a well established experienced team. When I was approached by General Physics with the view of all my staff undertaking a qualification I was very sceptical.
From start to finish General Physics were Professional in every way - they kept me fully informed and supported and guided all staff so that they maintained their motivation and progressed through the qualification without any problem. So impressed was I with General Physics that I have now signed up myself. I have certainly seen the benefits not only with the staff but in the business and I would not hesitate to recommend General Physics".
Chantelle Cummins - Team leader, Subway
"I have really enjoyed doing my Apprenticeship with General Physics. It has given me so much confidence to now help my colleagues within the store. My Assessor was very supportive and very patient with me. She helped me through my Key Skills and gave me extra help. My Assessor was very friendly and understood any problems that I came across. More than anything Carol was very flexible she fitted in with the needs of the business and she would visit me on the late shifts and the week end shifts".
Micheala Ward - Learner, Subway
"I have now worked with General Physics for some considerable time.
They have consistently demonstrated Professionalism whilst recognising they must fit in with the needs of the business. Many of my staff have worked here for several years and never had any formal qualification. General Physics gave them the opportunity to work towards NVQ. The staff are motivated and they are now taking charge of their own development many looking at other areas to progress into".
Lynn Williams - Manager, Johnsons
"My staff have recently completed their NVQ qualifications with General Physics. The business has benefited from the staff undertaking these qualifications as it has made them more Customer Service focused. The service and training that General Physics provided was to a very high standard and I would not hesitate in recommending them".
A Webb - Manager, Oasis
"I have recently completed my apprenticeship with General Physics and I am now progressing onto another qualification. Through the support and guidance of my Assessor I have gained a lot more confidence and feel that I can now contribute a lot more to the business. I am now more focused and have a much broader knowledge of all aspects of the retail Industry".
Rachel Falshaw - Learner, Oasis
“When I first started a programme with General Physics, I had just started my job at Hollywood Tan, part time. I started a customer service apprenticeship, which I completed with the guidance of my assessor, who then gave me the opportunity to go forward and complete a retail apprenticeship, a customer service advanced apprenticeship and I am now just finishing my retail advanced apprenticeship.
What a wonderful opportunity I have been given to gain these qualifications. I have gained so much confidence while doing these and have now got so much more responsibility in my workplace. I feel I have gained the confidence and knowledge to be able to move on with my career now.”
Hayley Dillon, Hollywood Tan
"I really enjoyed learning more in depth about my job role and found by assessor very helpful. When you have been in a job for some time its easy to think you cant learn anymore, after doing my NVQ I don’t feel this is the case and would recommend them to anyone who has the chance."
Emma Richardson, Johnsons Walkden
"After being approached to do an NVQ I was a little un-sure as I did not want to take on too much work or interfere with my daily tasks, I discussed the business and Staff needs with my trainer and He made sure that our training was flexible and fitted around us. It’s a great opportunity and I wish I would do more – I also find it a great incentive for new employees as I can offer a recognised qualification as part of the package. GP staff were all very friendly and helpful".
Damien Stephan, Johnsons Walkden (Employer)
"I have been very impressed with General physics - they are professional in every way. At all times I was kept fully informed regarding the progress of my staff Not only have all my staff benefited from doing the Apprenticeships but the business has seen a marked improvement in Customer Service."
James O’Connell, Ladbrokes
"All staff at General Physics have proven to be reliable, approachable and professional. It has been a pleasure to work with the staff and they have supported and guided all my staff through their qualifications. Many of them have also progressed onto a higher level ."
Jane Auger, Next
"I am really grateful to General Physics for all they have done to support me through my Qualification. I have had a lot of support from my Assessor. During my training with GP I attended additional training sessions at the centre and their PRT meetings where I had the opportunity to meet other members of the GP team who were all very professional and approachable. I would recommend GP to all my friends and colleagues".
Kirsty Millar, Johnsons
"I was unsure about doing this qualification but now that I have achieved I realize all the benefits of completing it. I was supported all the way by my Assessor. The qualification was completed at the work place and it gave me the opportunity to learn new skills within the Retail Sector. I have now progressed onto another qualification".
Bryan White, Woolworths
“I started at GP as a learner on the Lifeskills (e2e) programme. When I left school I knew that I wanted to work in an office but wanted some work experience, and I also needed more confidence. I was on placement in Reception for about 3 months when the manager at the time decided to employ me as the administrator. Whilst working at GP I have completed my Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship in Customer Service. I now teach work experience learners from schools and e2e placements on how to work in an office. I have been working for GP for almost 5 years. I would not have been here if it was not for the e2e team in Halifax and the Assessors and staff supporting and helping me. I have really enjoyed working for GP and hope to work for GP for many more years to come. Once I learn how to drive I would like to advance in my career to maybe become an Assessor for Business Administration or Customer Service.”
Candice Corrigan, Administrator, GP Halifax
“When I first started at e2e it was because I was referred by my personal advisor at connexions. I really didn’t want to go but I was glad I did. When I started on e2e I was living in a hostel and had very low self esteem and no confidence but by going to e2e I came out of my shell. I managed to make new friends and become more confident with new people!
I went on a work placement within a few weeks of being at GP at an internet café. I did enjoy the placement at first but over the weeks I realised I wasn’t learning very much and it wasn’t the right career for me. Because I was unsure what I wanted to do, either retail or business admin, I asked if I could try a new placement and was given one in the transport office at a haulage firm called Acumen. Since I started there I have been learning new things everyday and have become a lot more confident with people, not only has my career life changed but thanks to e2e helping me gain more confidence I have managed to sort my personal life out for the better.
So to anyone thinking about starting on an e2e propgramme I would do it because it has helped me with my self-esteem and confidence and I have managed to choose the right career path and gain valuable work experience.
Ashli Woodings - Acumen
“Ashli was extremely quiet and shy when she first came to Acumen but in a very short time has come out of her shell and is now looked upon as a regular member of the Acumen staff. In this time she has gained confidence which will put her in good stead for employment in any office environment. Ashli has learned office procedures quickly and she will be an asset to any future employer.”
Gillian Atha - Office Manager - Acumen
“Hi my name is Tim Metcalf. I have just left GP training in Halifax town centre where I studied retail and childcare which I thoroughly enjoyed, it was great as the staff and students there welcomed me with open arms and tried their best to help me with all my work and daily tasks which included, computer based tests and research. I have currently been to most of the e2e projects in Calderdale but I enjoyed GP the best as I met most of my friends there and I have learned that to get anywhere in life you have to work for it because nothing is handed to you on a plate which would be a nice thing.
Six months ago if someone said to me “do you want a job Tim?” I would have said no never I am going to be at GP forever, but nothing lasts forever and Graham, Sean and Margaret showed me that you have to work hard and keep your head down to get the things you want. I now currently work for the o2 store in Halifax which is a great job and I love it. I used to think working life would be boring doing the same thing day in and day out but its not, my daily tasks at work are ever changing and that is what I need to keep me occupied during the day.
This piece of writing is just a thank you to all the staff and students at GP for making me welcome in your place of work and I would do the same if you came in to mine.”
Timothy Metcalf – o2, Halifax
"Karen Cartwright (GP Assessor Stockport) is my role model, since starting my level 2 I have progressed to a Level 3 Customer Service Apprenticeship – this has helped me to reach my promotion of branch manager”
Kim Coffey - Branch Manager, Reeds Rains Estate Agents
"All my staff have embraced the NVQ process. I have seen a significant difference in the morale of the staff and the customer service that we now offer. We have worked very closely with General Physics especially their Assessor Sue Hibbert. Sue has worked along side all my staff to train them to the standard of the NVQ."
Emlyn Hughes - Store Manager, Homebase
