Mine Management Degree Apprenticeship
As a Workplace Mentor for the Mine Management Degree Apprenticeship you play a crucial role in developing the next generation of Mine Managers. This programme is designed to equip Apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to become more effective employees who can add real change to their organisations and lay the foundation for a prosperous and challenging career.
On this page:
Programme Overview
The Mine Management Degree Apprenticeship is a programme that combines academic learning with practical workplace experience. Here's what you need to know:
• Duration: 4 years, including end-point assessment (EPA)
• Qualification: BEng(Hons) Mining Engineering
This Apprenticeship is ideal for both new and existing managers looking to enhance their skills and gain a formal Mine Management qualification. As a Mentor, you'll support Apprentices in applying their learning to real-world challenges, helping them develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education's (IfATE) apprenticeship standard which sets out the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours for this programme can be found here.
Key Components
- Academic learning: covers essential management topics, including leading and managing people, project management, and business and finance
- Work-based projects: Apprentices will tackle real organisational challenges, applying their learning directly to your business
- Professional development: focus on personal effectiveness and core management competencies
- End-point assessment: includes a review of the Apprentice's portfolio, a work-based project, and an interview
Your role as a Workplace Mentor is vital in guiding Apprentices through this journey, helping them bridge the gap between theory and practice, and supporting their professional growth.
We are here to support you in this important role. Explore the resources and guidance provided on this site to help you effectively mentor your MMDA Apprentice and contribute to their success.
Meet the Team
At the heart of the Mine Management Degree Apprenticeship programme is a dedicated team of professionals committed to supporting both Mentors and Apprentices throughout their journey. Our team brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for developing future leaders in Mine Management.
Lewis Meyer
Email: l.h.i.meyer@exeter.ac.uk
Lewis oversees the Mine Management Degree Apprenticeship as Programme Director. He is a Chartered Engineer with 33 years’ experience in mining, underground construction, consultancy and education. He has worked in mining in the United Kingdom and on projects in 38 countries around the world. Lewis is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for both Work Place Mentors and Apprentices.
Lewis Meyer - l.h.i.meyer@exeter.ac.uk - Read more about Lewis Here
Our Academic Mentors are dedicated to supporting Apprentices in navigating the apprenticeship components of the MMDA programme. They play a crucial role in guiding Apprentices through the process of compiling their portfolio of evidence, which showcases their learning and development throughout the programme.
Academic Mentors work closely with Apprentices to ensure that they understand the requirements for their portfolios, helping them to document their experiences, reflect on their learning, and demonstrate the competencies gained in the workplace. By providing ongoing support and feedback, our Academic Mentors empower Apprentices to effectively articulate their achievements and prepare for their end-point assessment (EPA). Their focus on practical application and real-world experiences is essential in helping Apprentices succeed in their management roles.
Academic Mentors
Nick Hardie - n.hardie@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Nick here
Patrycja Czylok - Education Support Administrator - miningDAPT@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Patrycja Here
Anna Dickinson - Employer Partnership Officer - a.dickinson@exeter.ac.uk | Read more about Anna Here
Your Commitment Matters
Each member of our team is dedicated to ensuring that Mentors have the resources and support they need to guide Apprentices effectively. We believe that a strong Mentor-Apprentice relationship is key to the success of the programme, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Feel free to contact us with questions, concerns, or for additional support. Together, we can make a significant impact on the professional growth of our Apprentices.
Key Information and Events
Staying informed about important dates and events is crucial for effectively supporting your Apprentice throughout their MMDA journey. Below are the key milestones and events for the current academic year. Please note that specific dates may vary slightly for individual apprentices based on their start date.
Initial Contact and Meeting
Shortly after the Apprentice's induction, the Academic Mentor will contact you as the Workplace Mentor to arrange an initial meeting with you. While this meeting is not compulsory, it is highly recommended as it provides an excellent opportunity to establish a strong foundation for the apprenticeship journey.
This initial meeting allows all parties to:
- Introduce themselves and clarify their roles
- Discuss expectations for the apprenticeship
- Address any initial questions or concerns
- Begin building a collaborative relationship
Apprenticeship Criteria Review
At the start of the course, you have an important task to complete with your Apprentice. You are required to discuss and fill out the 'Apprenticeship Criteria Review' form together. This form serves as a baseline assessment of the Apprentice's current skills and knowledge, helping to identify areas for development throughout the programme.
The completed Apprenticeship Criteria Review form will be a key topic of discussion at the first progress review meeting, guiding the creation of initial goals and development plans for the Apprentice.
To prepare for this:
- Schedule a dedicated time to meet with your Apprentice
- Familiarise yourself with the form before the meeting
- Encourage your Apprentice to reflect on their current abilities and aspirations
- Be prepared to offer your insights and observations
By completing these initial steps, you'll be setting a strong foundation for a successful apprenticeship journey.
As a Workplace Mentor, your role in supporting your Apprentice's development is crucial. There may be times when concerns arise about an Apprentice's performance or progress. It's important to address these issues promptly and effectively to ensure the best possible outcome for the Apprentice and the apprenticeship programme.
Recognising Performance Challenges
When an Apprentice is struggling, the Academic Mentor will typically notify you via email as part of the escalation process. This communication will outline the specific concerns regarding the Apprentice's performance, such as:
- Consistently missing deadlines
- Poor quality of work
- Lack of engagement in learning activities
- Failure to meet off-the-job (OTJ) training requirements
- Difficulties in applying learning to workplace tasks
Your Role in Addressing Concerns
Upon receiving notification from the Academic Mentor regarding performance challenges, your first step should be to meet with the Apprentice to discuss the issues raised. Here’s how to approach this:
- Arrange a meeting: schedule a private meeting with your Apprentice to discuss the concerns outlined in the Academic Mentor's email
- Ascertain the problem: use this opportunity to understand the extent of the problem; encourage your Apprentice to share their perspective and any challenges they may be facing
- Explore solutions: collaborate with your Apprentice to identify potential solutions or strategies to address the identified challenges
- Create an action plan: work together to develop a clear, achievable action plan that includes specific goals and timelines for improvement
- Follow up: schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide ongoing support as needed
- Document the process: keep records of your meetings, the agreed-upon actions, and the Apprentice's progress
Seeking Additional Support
If you need clarification or further assistance:
- Consult with the Academic Mentor: if you have questions about the situation or need more information about the apprenticeship requirements, reach out to the Academic Mentor for guidance
- If the performance issues persist despite your interventions, or if you encounter a problem that you feel unable to resolve, inform the Academic Mentor
Preventive Measures
To help prevent performance issues:
- Maintain regular check-ins with your Apprentice, such as weekly or bi-weekly meetings
- Provide timely feedback on their work and progress
- Ensure they have adequate time and resources for their OTJ training
- Encourage open communication about any challenges they're facing
Remember, your primary role in addressing concerns is to support your Apprentice's success in the programme. By taking a proactive, supportive approach and addressing issues early, you can help your Apprentice overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
- Workplace Mentor training session to be confirmed.
Mentor Training Resources
Mentor Training Resources
This section offers a curated collection of valuable resources, including comprehensive handbooks, informative infographics, and recordings of training sessions. Whether you are a seasoned mentor or just starting out, these tools will help you enhance your mentoring skills and support your mentees effectively.
Resources
Contact us
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us. I look forward to hearing from you!
Nick Hardie
Lead Academic Mentor
Email: n.hardie@exeter.ac.uk
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Nick Hardie
Email: n.hardie@exeter.ac.uk
As Academic Mentor for the Mine Management Degree Apprenticeship, Nick ensures a consistent and high-quality approach to supporting both Apprentices and Workplace Mentors. He is a chartered mining engineer with over 40 years in mining and construction worldwide, working in hard and soft rock mines and in civil tunnelling. Nick has a strong empathy with the Degree Apprenticeship students as he was also a mature student, returning to education after working in industry. In addition to his work as an Academic Mentor, he has his own business supplying goods and services internationally. Nick is also a trustee for Ecton Mine Educational Trust and a mine manager of a historic copper mine in the Peak District which is run to facilitate educational activities at all levels from primary school to university.
Patrycja Czylok
Email: miningDAPT@exeter.ac.uk
Patrycja plays a vital role in supporting the Mine Management Degree Apprenticeship by providing comprehensive administrative support and resources to both mentors and Apprentices. She ensures easy access to essential information and tools, including databases like OneFile and BKSB. She facilitates admissions, assignment submissions, resolves issues, and as the primary administrative contact, she's readily available to answer questions, resolve issues, and provide guidance, ensuring a positive and productive experience for everyone involved.
Anna Dickinson
Email: a.dickinson@exeter.ac.uk
Anna is an Employer Partnership Officer responsible for supporting organisations with onboarding prospective Apprentices from the initial marketing stage through to contracting and providing progress reports. She works closely with the academic and administrative support team to provide employer partners with a smooth Apprenticeship experience.
