Work-based Assessor Spotlight - Debbie Duncan
Work-based training allows you to work towards a vocational qualification relevant to your employment, so you can learn while you earn and gain a recognised qualification.
Whether you are a young person looking for an apprenticeship, or an employer who is keen to train and develop staff, our business team can guide you.
Our apprentices are supported throughout their journey by our work-based assessors and in this week’s blog, we meet Debbie Duncan.
What is your role at UHI Perth?
I am a lecturer in Admin and IT, and I am also the Work Based Assessor for Modern Apprentices studying Business Admin and Foundation Apprentices studying Financial Services.
What’s the best part of your job?
Getting out of the classroom and back into workplaces and seeing the progress made by the Apprentices over the course of the year (eighteen months of their course).
The number one item you always take with you?
My notepad and pen! My memory is not quite what it was, and I would hate to forget something that can support my students.
Why do you think apprenticeships are important to businesses?
Businesses need young blood coming through so that they have a consistent and well-trained workforce. Apprentices are often also innovators, so they bring the latest skills into the workplace.
Within your trade, how can training and apprenticeships help students to move you up the career ladder and expand their skill set?
With the Modern Apprenticeship in Business Admin, students can earn while they learn and use their real job to show off their skills. It is also a really flexible MA which can be tailored to suit your actual job - be that in HR, Finance, or traditional straight admin. Gaining this qualification can help you move up to a Senior Administrator and eventually Office Manager.
What are three key words to promote apprenticeships to employers?
Engaged and enthusiastic staff.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I am a Comic-Con attending geek.
Who, or what, inspires you?
My students who come from all walks of life and all backgrounds inspire me to be at my best for them.
What is the best advice you have ever received, and who did it from?
My Granny used to say: “What’s for you will not go by you…” and I have used it to deal with disappointments and successes.
Favourite food/office snack?
I love Hawaiian Pizza – controversial I know – the more pineapple the better!
Favourite TV show or hobby?
I love the Big Bang Theory and can watch it over and over again.
If you were a super-hero, what type of powers would you have?
I would love to be able to manipulate time so I can add a couple of extra hours to a day.
First thing you would do if you won £1 million?
Hide it!!
