Mitie apprentices share their journey for National Apprenticeship Week
SFJ Awards provide End-Point Assessments (EPAs) with years of experience delivering assessments for the Level 3 Custody and Detention Professional apprenticeship standard. We work closely with Capital City College to provide excellent assessment services in the justice sector for organisations like Mitie.
This National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Level 3 Custody and Detention apprentices from Mitie to find out about their experience and how the apprenticeship has helped them in their justice sector careers. We spoke to Olugbenga Olasunkanmi Yeku and Julija Pacyna.
Apprenticeships providing new opportunities
Apprenticeships are designed to provide valuable routes into employment – for many into careers that they wouldn’t be able to access otherwise. Julija said:
“The apprenticeship has definitely given me the opportunity to move into a workforce that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I started my apprenticeship at the same time as I started a new job, and this role was completely new to me. It was something I had never done before and, honestly, it felt very challenging at the beginning.
“Having the apprenticeship alongside my job made a huge difference. It helped me understand what was expected of me, what challenges might be waiting ahead and how to approach different situations with more confidence. Instead of feeling overwhelmed I learned how to break things down, improve my skills step by step and find better ways to handle my responsibilities at work.”
Julija was also given the chance to travel to South Korea as part of her training – another experience she wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for the apprenticeship:
“I had the incredible opportunity to go to South Korea for three weeks as part of an exchange programme. It was an unforgettable, amazing experience that I would never have had without the apprenticeship. Meeting new people and experiencing a different culture was life-changing, so I want to give an extra big thank you for making this possible.”
Unique experiences like this often form part of apprenticeships, which are not widely known about, but are incredibly beneficial to the apprentices’ confidence.
Level 3 Custody and Detention Professional apprenticeship experience
When we asked the apprentices how they thought the experience from their apprenticeship helps them in their role, Olugbenga said:
“Being a part of and completing this apprenticeship has given me more insight into the practicality of custody and detention. I am looking forward to joining the mainstream (UK Border Force) where I can fully practically demonstrate all I learnt from this course.”
A big part of working in custody and detention is being able to support people with different needs and displaying varied behaviours in your care. The apprenticeship aims to provide learners with the skills they need to treat those individuals with kindness, dignity and respect, with the ability to maintain safe, secure and structured environments.
As custody and detention environments can be challenging places to work, the apprenticeship aims to strengthen learners’ agility, flexibility and resilience, enabling them to respond quickly to incidents and maintain professional standards throughout.
Julija said:
“The knowledge and support I gained through the apprenticeship helped me connect what I was learning with my day-to-day tasks. It gave me reassurance that I was on the right path and helped me grow both professionally and personally. I truly believe that without the apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have felt as confident or as sure that I was making the right decisions in my career.”
On-the-job training from apprenticeships
One of the many beneficial aspects of apprenticeships is gaining experience through on-the-job training. Julija says:
“In my day-to-day role, I face many unexpected challenges that I would never have imagined could occur. Through the apprenticeship, I learned how to prepare for and approach different situations before I even experienced them at work. When these challenges started appearing in my daily job, I already had the knowledge and confidence to handle them. This practical learning helped me apply theory directly to real situations, build problem-solving skills, and grow in confidence.”
Custody and detention End-Point Assessment
The final stage of apprenticeships in England is the EPA. The EPA is an impartial assessment, carried out by a regulated independent body. SFJ Awards deliver the EPA for the Level 3 Custody and Detention Professional apprenticeship used by Mitie.
The Custody and Detention Professional EPA is made up of two assessment methods: long answer scenario questions and professional discussion.
- Long answer scenario questions:
The long answer scenario questions will consist of 10 long response written questions, typically 1-2 paragraphs, around 200 words. The questions are across six themes. The time allowed is 90 minutes. - Professional discussion:
Professional discussion is carried out with an independent assessor, underpinned by the apprentice’s portfolio of evidence. The time allowed is 90 minutes.
Advice for prospective apprentices in custody and detention
We asked the apprentices what their advice is to anyone considering an apprenticeship. Olugbenga shared:
“I would recommend this programme to anyone wishing to build a career and grow working in the sector. I have no regrets whatsoever about enrolling on and completing the apprenticeship, especially with the best tutors I have ever met!”
Julija also added:
“My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is to go for it with an open mind. For me, there are only positives, and I honestly can’t think of any disadvantages. The experience is unforgettable, and the knowledge and confidence you gain stay with you forever. An apprenticeship doesn’t just prepare you for one role; it teaches you how to learn, absorb information, and adapt more easily to new situations. It opens your mind, helps you understand how to deal with challenges, and builds skills that are valuable in any career or life situation.”
