On debating what I would like to write about, the title ‘Thought Leadership’ caught my attention. I read the following sentence ‘Being a thought leader is about more than profits or even industry status, it’s about being authentic and empowering’. This describes SS Educational Services, and myself as CEO, to a tee.
I wanted to Focus on three keys: purpose, values and story. For me, these 3 areas overlap, maybe that’s the point?
Focus – Many years ago I qualified as a NNEB Nursery Nurse, which led me to open two day nurseries (4 young children and a husband working full-time prevented the empire I dreamed of!) My focus was on ensuring the children that attended had the best experience, and I knew to have that happen, I needed others that had the same passion as me. This started my journey with apprenticeships. I became an employer that recruited people that had that same drive and desire and ensured that the training was as good as I had received (If anyone ever wants to resurrect the NNEB Diploma, let me know!).
Values – This continued throughout my career, the wish for any employee to become the best version of themselves, and in turn benefit our early years, children and young people. The introduction of the EPAOs to externally validate training was something I felt long overdue, and I knew it would encompass my values.
Story – as I said earlier, I think the 3 areas overlap and our story has come about as a result of our Focus and Values. For me, when opening SSES, it was as a result of a whole career involved in early years, children and young people. I have been an employer of apprentices, a tutor and assessor, as well as too many years to count working directly within this sector, including as a Nursery Nurse, Playworker, and for the past ten years as a foster carer. But I wanted my story to be more than just another EPAO.
My passion for this sector meant that I didn’t even consider other apprenticeship standards, I wanted the focus and values I have to be embedded in the story of SSES. We are the only EPAO that is sector-specific to early years, children and young people and we 100% IQA to ensure every apprentice taking their EPA receives a standardised assessment. Our apprentices clear through gateway within 24-48 hours and can complete their EPA in a few weeks (depending on the standard) which means the training provider receives their grades and final payment quickly, and the apprentice is still engaged and has the certificate quickly. And finally, our pricing is the best value for all standards we deliver, including every tenth EPA across the standards as complimentary.
If your values align with ours, why not give us a try? Get in touch to find out more
LinkedIn: SS Educational Services