By far the most common takeaway from our leadership apprentices is increased confidence – and closely behind it, a powerful sense of pride in how far they’ve come. On this final day of National Apprenticeship Week 2026 – known as Celebration Friday, we’re shining a light on that journey by sharing some of the most uplifting and celebratory reflections from our apprentices themselves.
Across this week we’ve already shared full interviews with Shauna and Dawn. Today, we’re bringing together highlights from their stories alongside reflections from Trevor, an Assistant Operations Manager at Northumbrian Water, and Michelle, an Import & Export Manager at The Francis Crick Institute.
What comes through again and again is not just improved skills and capability – but real pride in the effort, commitment and growth that goes into becoming a more confident, more effective leader.
As Shauna puts it:
“Getting a distinction in my end point assessment was the highlight of my apprenticeship. I was elated to see the hard work pay off at the end and know the learning was making me a better people manager and understand myself better to navigate challenges in work and my personal life.”
And for Shauna, the way apprenticeships bring learning
to life is a huge part of that achievement:
“The benefit of applying technical knowledge in real time to real life situations helps to embed the learning. An apprenticeship was the best way for me to learn, I wish I’d done one sooner.
“Being able to draw out examples of challenges you’ve navigated and keep a good record of putting learning into practice is the best way to celebrate what you’ve done in your apprenticeship so the final step of an end point assessment isn’t an exam – it’s an opportunity to showcase all you have done and reflected on with immense pride.”
That sense of clarity and confidence is echoed by Michelle, who described
how her leadership has changed through the programme:
“Before I felt like I was fumbling in the dark. This course has felt like a dimmer switch being turned up and I can deal with situations more clearly the further I get through it.”
For Michelle, the timing and relevance of the learning made it especially powerful:
“Definitely the people management aspect and all of the team. “Managing a Team” and “Leading a Team” modules were amazing and came at the time I took on my own team and had to go through the interview processes.”
And with that comes greater confidence and capability in day-to-day leadership:
“My whole approach has changed to the way I work. I have found the way I deal with situations has developed and increased in proficiency. I have more confidence to deal with difficult situations.”
For Trevor, the apprenticeship created confidence not just in
managing people, but in understanding them:
“I feel more confident dealing with staff issues and understanding the staff through their learning styles. I am now confident putting in coaching based on their styles.”
And that pride in learning runs deep, particularly when
returning to education after a long break:
“I haven’t done any formal learning prior for over 20 years so it was daunting at first. After a while it was something that I felt proud to be doing and gave me a sense of achievement.”
Dawn’s reflections capture perfectly why so many people
say they wish they’d started sooner:
“Please give it a go. Learning and development is fun, you will find so many useful hints, tips and strategies – some of which you will continue to use long after you finish the apprenticeship. You will grow in confidence, and you will open the door to new opportunities in the future.”
And for Dawn, the impact goes far beyond work:
“I feel undertaking this apprenticeship has not only made me a better manager with more insight into human nature, but it has also helped me in all aspects of my life. I am more organised and can have difficult conversations with others not just in the workplace.”
On Celebration Friday, we’re not just celebrating qualifications or end point assessments – we’re celebrating the commitment it takes to keep learning, the courage to grow, and the confidence that comes from putting new skills into practice every day.
To Shauna, Dawn, Trevor and Michelle – thank you for sharing your journeys, and congratulations on everything you’ve achieved 👏
To find out more about sending any of your managers on a powerful learning journey like the ones described above, get in touch via email or using the form below!