Senior leader, Neil, proves Apprenticeships aren’t just for beginners

When people think of Apprenticeships, they often imagine young people taking their first steps into the workplace. But for Neil, an Apprenticeship brought something very different – an opportunity to grow as a senior leader.

At the time Neil enrolled onto the CIPD Level 5 Apprenticeship, he was working as Chief Operating Officer at the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, overseeing marketing, membership, events and organisational operations. Despite already holding a senior leadership role, Neil recognised the importance of continuing his professional development.

Returning to education after more than three decades brought understandable nerves. Neil openly admits he never considered himself particularly academic and initially questioned whether he could successfully return to a classroom environment.  

But with an inclusive environment and supportive lecturers, Neil soon realised he had what it takes to thrive, even completing additional English and Maths qualifications whilst balancing the demands of his senior leadership responsibilities. 

“Going back into education when it wasn’t naturally aligned with me was a big step and of course it was nerve-racking. When I was back at school you’d go to WH Smith or Woolworths and get your pencil case and pens, whereas now everything’s digital. There was an element of change there as well, but I embraced it and took it forward.” 

For Neil, the apprenticeship wasn’t about changing careers, it was about strengthening the leadership skills he already used every day. Through the CIPD qualification, he gained a deeper understanding of workplace psychology, leadership theory and people management. The apprenticeship gave him insight into the theories and models underpinning the leadership style he had developed throughout his career, helping him better understand how to motivate and support teams. 

The learning also reinforced the growing importance of HR within modern business leadership. Neil recognised that successful organisations increasingly understand the value of investing in people, workplace culture and employee wellbeing. 

“More than anything, I take the people skills and the understanding that HR has a seat at the leadership table. Businesses are understanding more and more that success only comes through their people. For the first time ever, I understood that Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a real model and theory that supports the way that I lead a group of individuals. That built my confidence. Understanding psychology and creating psychological safety within partnerships and relationships is instrumental to success.” 

Now working as Head of Corporate Partnerships at the Big Cat Sanctuary, Neil continues to apply the transferable skills and confidence gained through his Apprenticeship journey. 

His story highlights an important message: apprenticeships are not only for school leavers or entry-level employees. They can also provide valuable professional development opportunities for experienced managers, senior leaders and established professionals. 

“Never write off your future development, it’s so key to your own success to have your own personal development plan. It’s also important to remember that the older you become, the more you possibly need to learn in order to stay current. With the pace of technology and change today, I wouldn’t understand AI to the level that I do if I hadn’t continued my learning and development. You’re never too old to keep learning.” 

Neil’s experience also highlights the importance of lifelong learning and personal development, regardless of what stage you are in your career.

Like many adult learners, he experienced self-doubt and imposter syndrome throughout his journey. But ultimately, he believes learning helped strengthen both his confidence and leadership.

“The older I’ve become, the more I’ve lost in confidence, however, the more powerful I’ve become in terms of telling my imposter syndrome that I can do it – don’t listen to that voice. Believe in yourself and know if anything goes wrong, what’s going to happen? Nothing is irreversible so believe in yourself, just do it, and enjoy it.”

Neil’s story serves as a reminder that it is never too late to invest in learning, challenge yourself professionally and take the next step in your development.

Advance your career and study a higher-level Apprenticeship today.