Our Testimonials
Hear what our apprentices have to say about our apprenticeships.
MBKB would be the first recommendation I make to anyone that is looking to undertake further education, they understand that individuals aren’t just there to get a qualification but also how they can enhance their role or to better individuals prospects for example I wasn’t looking for something entirely new, but to enhance and understand more of the fundamental foundation, standards and frameworks of what it takes to be internal auditor.
Danielle Cleverly from NATS Holdings
Hi, my name is Danielle Cleverly, and I’m an Assurance and Risk Manager at NATS. I completed my Internal Audit Practitioner level 4 in August 2024 with a result of Merit after 18 months. I am proud of myself as it had been a demanding time both from a work perspective and home life. I am much more confident in talking about the difference in internal audit, compliance audit and consultancy/advisory.
I was drawn to the apprenticeship’s flexibility, which integrates seamlessly with the working day, and its debt-free nature, in contrast to the university route. Learning on the job and applying knowledge right away made my choice clear. The skills I have gained are invaluable, as well the perspective of other industries.
Top 3 things gained from my apprenticeship are:
- The difference between Internal audit Assurance and Internal Audit consultancy
- Corporate governance plays a very important role and that it goes beyond compliance with regulations.
- The sharing of knowledge between other industries and learning about their pathways to getting into Internal Audit Careers
Prior to going through the apprenticeship, I hadn’t really thought about career goals and where I wanted to be however, this has now changed, and I am becoming increasingly interested in many opportunities for Internal Auditor. As a result of my qualification, I am excited for the new responsibilities I have evolving into a traditional internal audit role more.
MBKB Tutors were well-experienced in their areas of teaching. My tutor Linda Hyde really supported and advise me throughout the whole of my apprenticeship, I was particularly grateful for the techniques she gave me on how to control nerves through the end point assessment discussion & exam as I knew would be a struggle for me to keep composure. It was really refreshing to see this as I know others who don’t get this level of support.
MBKB would be the first recommendation I make to anyone that is looking to undertake further education, they understand that individuals aren’t just there to get a qualification but also how they can enhance their role or to better individuals prospects for example I wasn’t looking for something entirely new, but to enhance and understand more of the fundamental foundation, standards and frameworks of what it takes to be internal auditor. Leading me to be able to complete the Internal Audit Practitioner level 4 apprenticeship. They care about the students want to see them succeed to the best of their abilities.
About.
Apprenticeship – Internal Audit Practitioner
Employer – NATS Holdings
This enabled me to work full-time and study. Sometimes it was a bit of a juggling act when I wanted to make time for my family, and I can't deny that it was difficult to maintain a certain work/home balance. Fortunately, I have had the invaluable support and help of my tutors Molly and Michelle throughout. I had some flexibility of time from them and help when I was not coping with the material given to me.
“My experience of apprenticeship with MBKB has been very positive.I was approaching 40 when I decided to make a career change and apply to become a Nursery practitioner. With the experience working with children and being a mum of two boys myself, I was offered the job. I needed still to have a recognised qualification, and that’s when my employer put me in touch with MBKB, which turned out to be the right choice. This enabled me to work full-time and study. Sometimes it was a bit of a juggling act when I wanted to make time for my family, and I can’t deny that it was difficult to maintain a certain work/home balance. Fortunately, I have had the invaluable support and help of my tutors Molly and Michelle throughout. I had some flexibility of time from them and help when I was not coping with the material given to me.English is my second language so at the same time I did the Functional Skills Math and English course qualification.This year I have completed all courses and as a result, I have a secure position at work. I am thinking of starting another course with MBKB soon.”
The apprenticeship provided me with the perfect balance of on-the-job learning and academic study, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of business operations in a real-world setting. My experience with MBKB has been incredibly positive due the the fantastic support from my apprenticeship tutors, Dani Northall, who was later succeeded by Ryan Lodder; their guidance and resources have been instrumental in helping me succeed with a Distinction award.
“I chose to pursue a business administration apprenticeship because I wanted to gain practical, hands-on experience while continuing education. The apprenticeship provided me with the perfect balance of on-the-job learning and academic study, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of business operations in a real-world setting. My experience with MBKB has been incredibly positive due the the fantastic support from my apprenticeship tutors, Dani Northall, who was later succeeded by Ryan Lodder; their guidance and resources have been instrumental in helping me succeed with a Distinction award. The apprenticeship has not only equipped me with essential substantive skills but also given me the confidence to thrive in my career. I highly recommend this path to anyone looking to start or advance in business administration.”
Following the successful completion of my apprenticeship with MBKB, I have been promoted to a Senior Payroll and Pensions Officer/Team Leader and I believe the apprenticeship gave me the confidence boost I needed to apply for and be successful in obtaining this role.
Melissa Stott from Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
“I have always been keen to learn and develop my skills throughout all my job roles. I had undertaken 2 apprenticeships prior to the L3 Payroll Administrator role with MBKB and knew how beneficial they could be.
As I started working in the Payroll Department as a Payroll Officer in January 2020 my knowledge and training was hindered by Covid19 so I felt by taking part in a Payroll Apprenticeship this would help to bridge any gaps I had and it did just that.
The apprenticeship improved my overall payroll knowledge especially surrounding statutory deductions and how to calculate a payslip from Gross to Net. I have a better understanding of tax, NI, pension, and each of their thresholds and how these are to be deducted from Gross Pay. Overall, I have enjoyed the apprenticeship and it has been extremely valuable in my role.
The highlight would be receiving a distinction and I am proud that all my hard work paid off. The apprenticeship has made me a more confident and competent payroll officer and I can successfully provide advice and guidance to my team, managers, and the employees within my organisation.
MBKB have been excellent and I could always contact my tutors when I needed guidance and they would always try and respond in a timely manner. They were very supportive and even though one of my tutors sadly passed away and another fell ill, MBKB ensured I remained on target and allocated new tutors where necessary.
My tutors were Gemma Sykes, AimeeBeth Jeffries and Rose Howley and I thoroughly enjoyed working with them all. I would encourage anyone wanting to develop within their role to seriously consider an apprenticeship, it does take time and commitment, but I feel it’s worth it in the long run and as a bonus you can earn whilst you learn!
Following the successful completion of my apprenticeship with MBKB, I have been promoted to a Senior Payroll and Pensions Officer/Team Leader and I believe the apprenticeship gave me the confidence boost I needed to apply for and be successful in obtaining this role.”
About.
Apprenticeship – Payroll Administrator
Employer – Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust