Sysco have been working with Forviva to deliver bespoke housing and leadership management qualifications that feed into their long term HR and People Development Strategies. ForViva aim to deliver positive and lasting change by investing in projects that prevent homelessness, improve health and wellbeing and create job opportunities and their training startegy is focused on helping them to achieve these goals.
Stacey is a Trainee Development Officer with ForViva, a position she gained as a result of a promotion during the qualification. We spoke to her about the impact the qualification has had on her career.
The learning experience with this course was outstanding, and the content was relevant and did not feel rushed. This made it very enjoyable and I feel like I have gained so much that will help me in my career.
– Stacey D’Addona – ForViva
Q: Hi Stacey, why did you decide to complete an apprenticeship?
A: To further my knowledge of the social housing sector and develop myself professionally.
Q: How have you found the support from Sysco’s trainers?
A: My trainer was very knowledgeable and easy to approach, which makes it easy to discuss any obstacles in my learning. I feel that her patient and calm demeanour made the learning experience a lot less daunting. I wrote my first essay in over 8 years during this course, and the feedback was really constructive and personal, which helped me to improve my own writing and achieve a higher level of learning.
Q: How has the Apprenticeship helped you to progress in your current role?
A: When I first enrolled on this course, I was working as a telephony advisor in the ForViva customer service centre. I used the course content and project opportunity to establish myself in a seconded role as Tenancy Sustainment Advisor, which concluded with me being made permanent in the team and promoted to Tenancy Sustainment Officer. I then applied for another internal job, Trainee Development Officer, in July 2018. The questions that were asked during my interview for the position were very similar to some of my assignment questions, so I felt confident in my answers and I was successful for the role. This course has been integral to my career development and has complimented my other personal and professional development activities during the past year.
Q: Describe your tutor in 3 words?
A: Knowledgeable. Approachable. Honest.
Q: What are the best aspects of learning?
A: I am more engaged in my work when I am learning something new. I enjoy being challenged and developing new ways of thinking. The learning experience with this course was outstanding, and the content was relevant and did not feel rushed. This made it very enjoyable and I feel like I have gained so much that will help me in my career.
Q: Would you recommend Sysco?
A: Everyone I have met from Sysco has been polite, professional and really helpful. The support I have received has been second to none, and my trainer has gone above and beyond to help me progress through the qualification. I have been recommending this course and Sysco to my colleagues and friends both in and outside of ForViva.