During National Apprenticeship Week 2025, some of our colleagues who have undertaken apprenticeship study told us about whst they've gained from learning alongside their role.
Stephanie Coupland
Hi, I’m Steph….and I have been a part of Changing Lives for nearly 20 years.
I am currently studying towards a Level 5 Learning & Development Consultant Business Partner Apprenticeship with Realise.
I have supported and co-ordinated apprenticeships for colleagues for a number of years, and decided in April 2024 it was my turn to enrol.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t apprehensive…. How would I manage my time? How would this affect my work/life balance?
I had also just started on my own personal neurodiverse journey, and I was worried whether or not the provider would accept this and support me….I shouldn’t have been, they have been fantastic, and have supported me from the very beginning…they adapt documents where needed, they provide additional meetings to allow me to discuss what is required/expected of me…it has been a very positive experience.
I am progressing well through the course, and have even jumped past the expected point, due to me going off on a tangent 😊
Undertaking an apprenticeship does require individual commitment, and the ability to prioritise when needed.
So far, I have developed my skills further and my self-confidence has begun to soar, which I credit to my recent promotion into a Management role.
Undertaking this apprenticeship has allowed me to grow and learn, not only as an individual, but as colleague and a team member.
Thank you for the opportunity and support.
Alan Mowbray
I am new to my current role, having been with Changing Lives as a Specialist Rough Sleep Outreach Worker, for 18 months prior. I feel that this training (NVQ L4 in Housing Management), will provide me with a better understanding and more confidence in my role as a Senior Housing Management Worker.
Klarita Maczioch
I am currently a service manager working in a drug and alcohol service called Newcastle Treatment and Recovery partnership, working collaboratively with CNTW and Waythrough. I have been in a managerial role since February 2023, initially starting as a team lead and swiftly moving into the service manager role several months after.
Due to this quick progression and still having so much to learn, I have decided to take on the Level 5 Operational Management Apprenticeship. I have completed the first 2 modules so far and I have learned so much in such a short space of time. I have completed university degrees in the past, but completing an apprenticeship is a completely new way of learning for me.
Being able to explore the different theories and knowledge that management encompasses and directly using the learning in my role has significantly developed my skills and confidence. I have been able to apply my learning to my own workload such as time management, task prioritisation and developing new strategies, as well as applying it to my team by becoming a more self-aware leader and developing their strengths to build a positive workforce.
So far, I have enjoyed the flexibility and the content of this qualification, as it allows me to still manage my professional responsibilities alongside building my education. I also feel very supported by Changing Lives and my line manager, who have encouraged me to access this course and have been helpful at every step of the way.
This resource is definitely something of value for new managers as well as those who already may possess some experience, and it is something I would recommend as part of further development.
John Oliver
I am currently the Project Lead at Eslington House and Gateshead. I began my career with Changing Lives in May 2022 as a Senior Support Worker. In December 2023, I was promoted to Project Lead.
I participated in the Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship program, designed to equip aspiring leaders with essential management skills. The program emphasizes a range of competencies, including time management, coaching, and project management.
It has helped me develop the necessary skills and knowledge required as a manager and leader to progress within the organization.
I found that I actually quite enjoy Project Management. It was surprisingly enjoyable, and although it’s not something I do regularly, the transferrable skills are invaluable.
It was an opportunity to learn new skills and to meet people who work in different industries to share good practice and exchange ideas.
I was surprised at how easy it was to fit around my job and complete the work necessary.
Developing the skills of being able to coach and mentor other individuals helps with job satisfaction and watching other people grow and progress in their own chosen field.
Ian Douglass
I have been a support worker at The Fells for 3 years. I have always continued to improve my personal development to better myself as a person, an employee and as a support worker for the residents we work alongside in our everyday role.
Accepting the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Health and Wellbeing has already provided me with a lot more skills and knowledge that will have positive outcomes for the support work I do. At first, the thought of doing an apprenticeship felt like id be returning to school, it is far from this. I have an allocated day off each week to carry out my work, I have an online tutor and everything I do is done either online, at home or at work. The set up for my training could not be any more convenient.
Hopefully, when I pass this Level 3, I will continue to pursue other training opportunities to improve my personal development, and in return, use all my new skills and learning to help not only residents, but the team I have around me as well. I see the team around me as an important part of my apprenticeship as when I am off work on my allocated day, they can be relied upon to step in and carry out some of the support work for the residents I work with on my behalf.
