“Having previously attempted to obtain the MCIPS qualification via the conventional examination route in one of my former automotive buyer roles and then having failed due to never having enough time, the NVQ route via APO management seemed almost too good to be true in that it offered direct tutor support alongside a web based evidence submission system reflecting real life projects and achievements!

 

The process itself was clear and concise from the start with both parties fully understanding what was involved and indeed what was expected from one another in order to ensure a successful and timely outcome. This method also allows the individual to step back from their daily workload and review what they do and have done in greater perspective, which was another unexpected benefit. Mark is an outstanding tutor who clearly understands the varying needs of his students and I would fully endorse the credentials and integrity of APO for anyone considering their NVQ MCIPS route.

 

I am now putting key members of my global supply chain team through the same scheme as its value, both to the business and to the individual, goes far beyond simply obtaining a qualification.”

Chris Miller MCIPS
Manager – Supply Chain (Raw Materials)
Wellstream International Limited, Newcastle upon Tyne

“I found that achieving my NVQ Supply Chain Management Level 4 with APO was by far the most convenient method for me to obtain the qualification.  My busy work schedule precluded taking time away from the office and I was able to use actual live projects for the assessment, meaning that there was very little interruption to my normal work.  Having achieved the NVQ and subsequent MCIPS, I have been able to qualify for a considerable promotion – which would not have been open to me before.”

Tim Morgan MCIPS
Procurement Manager
East of England Development Agency, Cambridge

“At the start of my NVQ LEVEL 5 Supply Chain Management course Mark Tserkezie (APO Assessor) spent a full day with the navigation around the website and unit layout.  The planning and close contact undertaken with me by APO demonstrated that it was in both parties interest to succeed for a successful outcome.  I had support from Mark and Jason (APO Assessors) when required and always knew a telephone call or e-mail would be answered quickly.  It was a pleasure and positive experience for me. Time and commitment is required but after planning each unit with Mark it became very achievable.  I would certainly recommend APO, speaking from experience. I completed my course within the year and gained the NVQ Level 5 certificate and now I have become a full member of MCIPS.”

Darryl Swan MCIPS
Assistant Supplies Manager Materials
East Kent Hospitals NHS

“I’m happy to say that APO delivered professional advice and tutoring which undoubtedly assisted me and my colleagues achieving the NVQ Supply Chain Management Level 4 award.  I would wholeheartedly recommend APO to anyone considering the NVQ route to achieve MCIPS accreditation as the support and service we received from Mark and the team at APO was fantastic.”

Alan Heron MCIPS
Senior Procurement Manager
CEL Group, Warrington

“Achieving my MCIPS via the NVQ Route was the final step on the ladder for me in my pursuing professional development in Procurement.  It’s a daunting prospect, the Tutors, both Mark and Harry have to be the “best in the business” there is no doubt.  They make you feel at ease, they are highly competent and any issues, problems you may encounter are easily dealt with and explained.  You begin with Tutors/Mentors and leave feeling like you’ve made life-long friends.  I highly recommend this MCIPS route to anyone. I originally started through CIPS and did the first couple of modules by examination route, the NVQ route allows you to expand your knowledge and put what you do into practice, and not just revise for a “paper” and then that’s it!   I really like the ePortfolio system that is very easy to understand and you can check your percentage completion throughout your course.”

Deborah Pearson MCIPS
Procurement Manager
National Nuclear Laboratory, Sellafield

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Assessor Harry Cruddace very much for all his support during my NVQ’s, both Levels 2 & 3. Your efforts have been very much appreciated. I will be recommending APO Materials Management Ltd to all within Sellafield Ltd and outside our organisation. This course has been most interesting and highly recommended.”

Patsy Davies
Assistant Contracts Officer
Contracts Department, Sellafield Ltd, Sellafield

“Harry is very professional and helpful. I can’t fault the service, advice and reliability.  I have been very impressed by the ease of achieving the NVQ through the use of this software. It is not often I would give any software package a glowing recommendation but in this case I would certainly make an exception. The course itself was as I expected and was made far more pleasurable to complete as a result of the high level of support provided by Harry at APO.”

Mark Hudnott MCIPS
Head of Strategic Procurement
Synergy Housing, Poole

“A very good course which brought to light areas of activity which, although carried out on a regular basis, may not have been recognised as important but in fact are key to the working of the organisation.”

Bill Todd MCIPS
Commercial Director
Commercial Support Unit (CSU) North East

“Excellent as always”

Neil Davidson MCIPS
Head of Procurement – Corporate Strategy Division
Isle of Man Government, Isle of Man

“I found the training a refreshing alternative to the academic approach (I had previous undertaken a batchelors degree) and value the work I have done as it proves the levels in which I can achieve practically”

Dean Burns MCIPS
Project Manager
NHS Commercial Support Unit North East, County Durham

“At the start of my NVQ Level 3 I was nervous of how I would cope with maintaining my work life balance as I have two children.   It was with the excellent standard of support provided to me by my assessor, Mark Tserkezie, and the well organised ePortfolio system, that I was able to complete not only level 3 but 4 as well.

 

I am currently awaiting my MCIPS accreditation and am working at a higher level within my department. I would whole-heartedly recommend the NVQ route to CIPS membership and APO Materials Management Ltd to anyone who wishes to progress in procurement.”

 

Beth Davis
Buyer
Trinity House, Harwich

“Very good support and guidance in every aspect.  My expectations were of a structured process to follow and this was realised throughout the course.”

Lorraine Tovey MCIPS
Contracts Manager
EDF Energy, Exeter

 

“A course that I highly recommend. A must for any Buyer just starting out or looking to confirm their skills. Brilliant ePortfolio system, very easy to use and navigate. Harry is a great trainer and assessor, always there with the right advice or question.

 

I just wish that all NVQ recording of evidence was as structured as this. A template that I hope will be used by others as time goes by. A big thank-you to Harry Cruddace for all his help and guidance through this NVQ. I had expected this to be a daunting experience but with Harry’s help I got to the end at last.”

Jenny Alexander
Buyer
MartletBuild, Chichester

“Having completed an NVQ in the past it was refreshingly easier to get the paper work done. APO are motivated and encouraging, ensuring that you keep pace and keep focused, and their own style supports those involved very well.”

 

Ruth Gentry
Head of Supply Chain Management
Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Poole, Dorset

“What can I say…….I have completed both NVQ Level 3 and Level 4 Supply Chain Management with APO and I am so pleased that I did.  The experience for both from start to finish was enjoyable, supported and professional with constant guidance if required and motivation when needed.   I have gained my MCIPS status quickly and in a relaxed way although I have learned so much from completing it via an NVQ route.   Mark has been through the process with me since day one, he is professional, extremely competent and personable bringing the best out of me in order to finish the process successfully.  The electronic system is very easy to use and this allows the process to be carried out quickly and efficiently.  Through recommendation a team member has now started the process and is already enjoying it as much as I did.  Although I now have MCIPS I am looking at further qualifications – I have no doubt in saying I will be going to APO to carry these out!  Highly recommended, you will not be disappointed if this is the route you choose.”

Rebecca Morris MCIPS
Procurement Manager
Durham University

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