About Us
Welcome to Step Ahead Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships that build your talent.
Who Are We
Alex is a Chartered Engineer with over 30 years’ experience in IT, engineering, project management and consultancy, and is also a qualified teacher with 14 years’ part-time experience teaching Computer Science at GCSE and A level.
He holds a current Enhanced DBS certificate (including Children’s Barred List) and maintains registration with the DBS Update Service.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower SMEs to build high-quality apprenticeship pathways that develop future talent and open doors for young people.
The Apprenticeship journey
Define role
First identify the role your business needs and then choose the correct apprenticeship standard.
Select training provider
Choose an approved training provider, agree the delivery model (day release, blended etc).
Recruitment
Recruit the right apprentice. Issue employment contract, apprenticeship agreement. Put workplace support in place (line manager, mentor).
Induction
Introduce the apprentice to the workplace systems, policies and rules. Confirm starting competencies. Agree training plan and milestones.
Training and development
Provide planned, meaningful on-the-job training. Release apprentice for 20% off-the-job training (with provider). Provide support for the apprentice with regular reviews and feedback. Tasks must map to the apprenticeship standard.
EPA and completion
Confirm when apprentice is ready for the end point assessment (EPA). Support the apprentice and work with the EPA organisation during the assessment. Confirm EPA completion and next steps for the apprentice.
Why Choose Us?
We are committed to encouraging SMEs to take on apprentices.
With experience across IT, engineering, project management and education, we turn complex requirements into clear, actionable guidance.
Chartered Engineer with extensive experience across engineering and IT, including roles as a systems analyst, software developer, IT manager, project manager, and consultant. In addition, I have 14 years experience teaching ICT and Computer Science at GCSE and A level within secondary education, with a strong background in curriculum delivery, assessment, and learner support.
With a background in engineering and technology I am very organised with a logical and pragmatic approach. Over the years I have had a very strong track record of delivering successful solutions underpinned by a high level of attention to detail.
A fully funded apprenticeship must be compliant with the Department for Education funding rules. It is vital for the employer to ensure compliance with these rules as well as ensuring contractual obligations are met with the apprentice and training provider.
The aim is to provide a successful apprenticeship for both the apprentice as well as the employer.
Providing an external apprenticeship mentor for your business if required. This would provide mentoring support for the apprentice during the training and development phase.
Alternatively we can provide support to your internal mentors.
Structured, continuous guidance provided to the apprentice and workplace mentor throughout the programme, ensuring learning is progressive, aligned to the apprenticeship standard, appropriately evidenced, and sustained through to End Point Assessment.
Exploring apprenticeships for your business ?
The good news is you can manage all of this yourself with a bit of time and setup. We’re happy to offer free advice and support — and if it encourages you to take on an apprentice, that’s good enough for us. Contact us to arrange a chat.