Lucy Jeske
We promote apprenticeships to all our officers and staff and support them throughout the process.
This work is led by Lucy Jeske, our in-house Apprenticeship Consultant who has been studying for an apprenticeship qualification, and received the fantastic news that she had not only passed but got a distinction during the 2023 National Apprenticeship Week!
| Current role | Apprenticeship Consultant |
| Apprenticeship | Operations/departmental manager ILM Level 5 |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Format | Online, with face-to-face work with training provider Paragon Skills |
| Apprenticeship provider | Paragon Skills in conjunction with the Institute of Leadership and Management. |
| Progress | Awarded a distinction February 2023 |
How has the apprenticeship gone so far?
Its been tough, there's no doubt about it but would I do it again? Most definitely! Nothing worth having is easy. I think I found it more challenging because of the remote nature and would much prefer face to face sessions but everyone is different. I have completed all elements of the apprenticeship and finished my end point assessment in early February.
I've just heard during National Apprenticeship Week that I have passed with a distinction!
What about work/life balance?
I was really strict with managing my time. I didn't want work and study to have an impact on my home life and I've managed this in the most part. It requires very careful planning and prioritisation but I developed the balancing act well over the duration of the programme. There were times when I chose to do additional work/ hours towards my studies when there was a deadline looming or specifically when I was preparing for my assessment but it was important that I knew I'd done everything I could for a good result.
How is the apprenticeship helping?
It's already helped more than I could have imagined. My self awareness and emotional intelligence has increased significantly, I honestly think they're the foundations to doing everything right, so that alone was worthwhile.
I've developed my job role whilst on programme and taken on additional responsibility, I wouldn't have been able to do this without the new knowledge, skills and behaviours I developed.
I'm also just about to take on line management responsibility, I'm looking forward to putting my skills into practice!
What's your advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
100% do it.
It's no easy task and you have to want the development, but if you're looking for a new challenge then its the best thing for you. Its allowed me the flexibility to study while working and put the skills in place as I've learnt them.
