Alisha Shepherd

Experience

• 

  Funtastic Party Packs

  Jan 2016 - Dec 2019

  Manager

  I held a pivotal role in a family-run business, where my responsibilities were diverse and impactful. Engaging with customers, I efficiently managed their party requirements, addressing their needs, and ensuring meticulous attention to detail. Dealing with customer complaints, my approach was to instill confidence by assuring swift resolution with minimal concern to the customer. My involvement extended beyond customer interactions to include hands-on tasks such as setting up events and maintaining a clean and tidy environment before customer arrivals. This required time management skills, ensuring a seamless process hidden from the customers' view. I line managed staff, providing clear directives and fostering a supportive environment. My management approach emphasized accessibility while maintaining professional boundaries, encouraging a comfortable atmosphere for communication. I regularly participated in reception roles during public events; involving handling money, effectively communicating with the public, and providing necessary information under pressure. This experience supported my abilities in multitasking, customer service, and maintaining composure in fast-paced situations. encompassing responsibilities such as payroll management and IT-related tasks, including website maintenance. Skills applied in this role included effective communication, patience, time management, IT skills, and event management. Through this role, I cultivated strong working relationships, supported staff development, and enhanced my ability to thrive under pressure, contributing to the continual improvement of the business. Show less

• 

  Barnsley College

  Oct 2019 - now

  Since starting this role, my roles and targets have changed and developed continuously, demonstrating my adaptability to change. Initially, I completed the following:Collaborating with SLT members on initiatives such as the Department for Education (DFE) projects and ensuring the effective implementation of developmental programs. Unofficially managing BOOST staff within the Tuition Fund, hosting regular meetings, providing support, guidance, ensuring the quality of their work and supporting with timetabling and other administrative tasks. During this role, I undertook a new opportunity to continue to develop by starting my L5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. In July 2023, I took maternity leave until I returned in January 2024, to which I was introduced to a lot of change within my team.I continue to provide the following tasks: Overseeing the Professional Practice Observation Process, responsibilities include allocating observations, ensuring timely completion, and collecting data for reporting in Performance Reviews. Serving a welcoming face, I frequently engaged with external stakeholders. Continuing my support for the Teaching & Learning department, I handle administrative tasks, manage calendars, and minute meetings. This involves maintaining efficient communication channels and contributing to the smooth functioning of the department. Supporting administratively with the Teacher Training programme that we deliver.Managing and being responsible for the Education & Training Foundation T-Level delivery. This includes managing who will deliver events, arranging travel and accommodation where appropriate, submitting mileage claim forms, updating the ETF site with attendance within a timely manner and reporting on the monthly reach in line with the TLPD Assessment. This includes invoicing external companies. Show less In my early weeks in this position, the college underwent a pivotal visit from OFSTED, from March 8th to 11th 202. I played a vital role, specifically requested by the Ofsted lead, in the 'Ofsted Base Room.' This opportunity allowed me to contribute significantly to administrative tasks, coordination, and behind-the-scenes operations during the inspection, leading to outstanding results in seven areas and a good rating in Apprenticeships.Transitioning from my apprenticeship, the Ofsted Inspector selected me to represent apprenticeships in Business Admin, with their emotional response and encouraging statement, "one day you will be a CEO," serving as a testament to the impact of my work and dedication.I collaborated with students, overseeing the GROW Mentoring Programme as the primary liaison for Barnsley College. Working closely with Sheffield Hallam University, I maintained regular communication, managed GROW staff, facilitated the onboarding process for learners, and conducted outreach efforts to ensure active student participation. I also monitored attendance and initiated communication with parents in cases of non-attendance.In the absence of the Tuition Fund manager, I managed the government-granted Tuition Fund budget allocated after the 2020 pandemic. I ensured eligibility, communication with external organisations like Yipiyap. I actively recruited BOOST mentors, tracked attendance, and communicated with students, parents, and internal college staff. Simultaneously, I worked with the Vice Principal for Quality on administrative tasks related to the Department for Education Fund. I continued supporting the T&L and DTT, showcasing my ability to balance multiple responsibilities efficiently. Show less This role introduced me to increased responsibilities and greater independence. Noteworthy achievements during this period include: Digital Innovation Award from Abardo: An external company, Abardo, awarded this for orchestrating a successful online event with over 500 staff attendees within a 24-hour timeframe.Department of Education Interview and Feature: Interviewed by the Department of Education, with the interview featured on their social media platforms, aimed at inspiring other young individuals to pursue apprenticeships. FE News Feature: Featured in FE News for my impactful contributions as an apprentice, highlighting the positive difference made within Barnsley College. AoC National Apprentice of the Year: Nominated by the College principal to win the AoC National Apprentice of the Year award, acknowledging my outstanding contributions, resulting in UK-wide recognition. During my time in this role, I have developed skills such as: Project management: Trusted with sole management of projects, from initiation to completion, demonstrating organisational and leadership skills. Independent Decision-Making: I made independent decisions and took on additional responsibilities proactively, contributing to the overall efficiency of the department. Cross College Development and Discover Digital Event Series: I led cross-college development days/week and managed the Discover Digital event series, showcasing creative thinking and networking skills in liaising with external staff. IT Proficiency: I developed advanced IT skills through the utilisation of the finance system and other college-specific platforms. Training and Certifications: I successfully completed an in-house observation course, invigilation courses and I achieved a 100% pass rate in a First Aid for Mental Health course, providing valuable skills in recognizing and supporting mental health crises. Show less In my first-year apprenticeship at Barnsley College, I engaged in a diverse range of responsibilities that significantly contributed to my professional development. These tasks included: Administrative duties (printing, cutting, laminating, and equipment ordering), Event coordination (organised and coordinated various events, managing logistics such as travel and accommodation), Communication (conducted email communications and made phone calls to internal and external stakeholders), Financial administration (worked on the finance system, contributing to financial processes and updates), assistance and support (provided support to colleagues and the manager, assisting with various tasks and projects), Meeting management (attended meetings, took minutes, and managed calendars, displaying organizational skills), training and Development (actively participated in training and development opportunities, including a 2-day intensive course on 'minuting meetings’). This role not only allowed me to acquire practical skills in event management, administration, and communication but also provided valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. My ability to independently manage responsibilities and handle a diverse workload was a key takeaway from this apprenticeship. Show less

  • Apprenticeship Support Officer

    Jun 2024 - now

  • Teaching & Learning Administrator

    Sept 2022 - Jun 2024

  • Tuition Fund, Teaching & Learning Administrator

    Mar 2022 - Sept 2022

  • Teaching & Learning Administrator (L3 Apprentice)

    Jan 2021 - Mar 2022

  • Teaching & Learning Admin (L2 Apprentice)

    Oct 2019 - Jan 2021