As a leading End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) for the Custody and Detention Professional Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard, SFJ Awards works with a variety of notable apprenticeship providers and employers throughout the sector. One such provider is Capital City College Group (CCCG), London’s largest further education provider, and the third largest in the UK.
We caught up with Emma Dawoud, Manager at CCCG, to find out all about the Level 3 Custody and Detention apprenticeship and their approach to supporting learners through their apprenticeship.
How do you find and recruit apprentices?
This process is supported by our employer partner Mitie Care and Custody. Mitie recruit onto their Initial Training Course (ITC) and we select candidates from the initial six-week block of training.
What is it like to work with apprentices?
Working with apprentices is challenging, but also extremely rewarding. The custody and detention officers have extremely challenging roles, but their passion and commitment to supporting the welfare of the residents in their care is commendable.
What key skills are important for your apprentices to learn at your organisation?
For me, empathy, compassion, patience, respect and tolerance are the key skills needed for apprentices within custody and detention.
What has been the most rewarding thing about being involved in Apprenticeships?
We complete mock Professional Discussions (PD) and work with them over a period of time in relation to the topic they choose for their project report. The apprentice’s manager will also support the mock PD sessions and will contribute where they can.
What do learners go on to do after they have completed their Apprenticeship?
Our apprenticeships have demonstrated progression within Mitie Care and Custody, with apprentices moving into management roles as Detainee Custody Officer Managers (DCOMs). Two apprentices have also moved into instructor roles, helping teach new apprentices and recruits.
What tips do you have for people who are considering undertaking an Apprenticeship in your sector?
It’s important to thoroughly research the area and the organisations involved in service delivery, looking carefully at the range of roles within the custodial setting. You could also look at your previous work experience, as you will need to utilise all transferrable skills.
How do you find working with SFJ Awards as an End-Point Assessment Organisation?
SFJ Awards have been incredibly supportive, the team are highly responsive, and they have been so flexible in scheduling EPA PD. The custodial environment is extremely challenging and the SFJ team are very understanding regarding the constraints when working with the officers. We have also greatly appreciated the opportunities for development with the SFJ team, looking at the new standard and consulting with us on approaches to the change in EPA.
SFJ Awards works closely with CCCG to support them and their apprentices through the End-Point Assessment (EPA) process. Discover how we can support you with the EPA process as an employer or as an apprentice.
