Completing my apprenticeship has genuinely been one of the highlights

Andrew, Senior Project and Change Manager, shares his experience of completing his first apprenticeship.

My apprenticeship journey started with a desire to broaden my experiences and build my skills. When I explored our internal resources and came across the Development Hub, I was amazed by the variety of learning opportunities available. I began looking into apprenticeships and searched for one that matched my strengths while supporting my areas for growth. My role in projects and change made the Improvement Practitioner (Lean Six Sigma) apprenticeship a perfect fit. With the support of my manager, I applied and began the journey.

It was positive from the outset

From the outset, the experience was positive. My tutor was incredibly supportive, and the structured learning approach suited me well. One of the aspects I particularly valued was the opportunity to network with people from other industries during the sessions, which offered valuable insights into different sectors and roles.

For me, the practical application of the apprenticeship was a highlight. Sessions every fortnight struck the right balance for me, and I was able to apply what I learned to a real-life project within Funeralcare. This connection between theory and practice not only boosted my confidence but also demonstrated the tangible value of what I was learning.

One thing that will really stick with me from this apprenticeship is the importance of taking time to plan and lay strong foundations. In our fast-paced work environments, we often rush looking towards the end goal. However the methods and frameworks I learned during this apprenticeship, applied in my real-life, reinforced how thoughtful preparation can save time and get us better results in the long run.

A highlight of my year

There were times where I was definitely challenged during the apprenticeship, one stand out moment of that being the end-point assessment. I was surprised at how much it took me back to being at school, with all the nerves that come with formal assessments. But receiving my results and gaining a distinction was an incredible moment - genuinely one of the highlights of my year.

Having not completed many structured qualifications before, I'm really pleased to know I've achieved this tangible qualification now. The effort and hard work paid off. If you’re considering an apprenticeship, I’d wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it. Yes, it requires effort, but the personal and professional growth, the sense of achievement, and the opportunities it unlocks make it absolutely worth it.

As a Co-op colleague, you can explore apprenticeship opportunities on the Development Hub.

Andrew Lowe, Senior Project and Change Manager.