Guiding Apprentices to Success: The Impact of a Skilled Assessor

As an assessor, Julian Douglas does more than evaluate apprentices’ progress - he guides them, builds their confidence, and helps them develop the resilience and belief in their own potential that are essential for success.

At East Sussex College, Julian has been an exemplary mentor and assessor to construction apprentices for over six years, guiding them through some of the most demanding and fast-moving environments in the sector.

Julian is a highly valued assessor at the College, admired by apprentices, relied on by employers, and a colleague the College is proud to have supporting its apprenticeship programmes.

Working closely with apprentices from Level 2 to Level 5, and often 16 or 17 years old, Julian supports apprentices at important periods of their fledgling careers. Many begin their apprenticeship feeling uncertain, but through calm guidance, technical expertise, and encouragement, they grow into confident, capable professionals.

Reflecting on what motivates him as an assessor, Julian said, “It’s fantastic to see new talent developing and to watch their confidence grow. Many start their apprenticeship at 16 or 17, often a little reserved and unsure about the world they’re stepping into. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them build the skills and knowledge they need, and to support them as they work towards their End Point Assessments. There can be some pressure towards the end, but I genuinely enjoy encouraging them and witnessing their pride and joy when they successfully complete their apprenticeship.”

He places a strong emphasis on reassurance, organisation, and steady progress because these qualities offer a great grounding in any profession and help apprentices feel supported rather than pressured - even when workloads, deadlines, and personal challenges pile up.

Julian is particularly good at stepping in when it matters most, whether that’s helping apprentices pull together their final portfolio evidence, breaking down tricky assessment tasks, or working with employers to keep everything moving in the right direction.

He explained, “Struggles often begin when apprentices start their coursework, as it can feel like a lot to take on at first. I make sure they know I’m always available to support them and offer help whenever they need it. It’s important to guide them in developing strong organisational skills and to break their tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

“I also encourage them to recognise how far they’ve already come, as they often don’t realise how much they’ve learned. When something goes wrong, I remind them that setbacks are part of the learning process - valuable experiences that help them grow and build resilience in their trade.”

As Sarra Hawes, Managing Director at Hawes Construction Group, says, "Life never runs smoothly, but Julian has a calm, measured approach that has got us through. He shepherds both apprentices and employers to the end goal, remains consistent through challenges, and makes the process of taking on apprentices so much easier. I can relax knowing Julian is overseeing my apprentices."

Julian’s mentorship goes beyond technical support. He helps apprentices develop confidence in real workplace environments, encouraging independence, professionalism, and pride in their achievements. His approach ensures learners understand their progress, recognise and celebrate their growth, and see setbacks as opportunities to build resilience.

Speaking about the impact of this journey, Julian said, “It’s always rewarding to see apprentices grow in confidence and feel comfortable working with experienced colleagues. Watching them take pride in overcoming challenges and becoming independent is a real highlight. Some find the academic side tougher, but it’s fulfilling to support them in building their portfolio and helping them gain the knowledge they need to pass their EPA.”

This combination of pastoral care, technical guidance, and structured oversight gives employers confidence that their apprentices are achieving, growing, and contributing effectively on site. Countless apprentices have gone on to secure long-term employment, take on greater responsibility, and grow confidently in their careers thanks to Julian’s guidance.

Through his calm leadership, clear communication, and unwavering dependability, Julian creates an inclusive learning environment where apprentices feel secure, motivated, and empowered to achieve their very best. His work reflects the very best of apprenticeship support at East Sussex College and goes to show that with the right mentor, apprentices can achieve far more than they ever expected.

Assessors and mentors like Julian play a vital role in apprenticeships. They give learners the support and confidence to succeed, while keeping employers informed and reassured. Their guidance helps ensure apprentices gain the skills, experience, and qualifications they need to grow in their careers, while giving employers confidence that everything is on track.

Often the unsung heroes of apprenticeships, it’s mentors and assessors who make the difference - which is why we’re proud to celebrate their contribution this #NationalApprenticeshipWeek.