Leadership Programmes

"I started working at Marshalls in the Credit Services team as an administrator, before moving to the finance accounting function. As I was new to management in my current role, the opportunity arose for me to start an apprenticeship which would help broaden my management knowledge and skills. A benefit of the apprenticeship is that it allows you to put into practice new skills in real life situations. It helped me understand what type of manager I was and where I had weaknesses - which in the long term should help me become a better manager. The apprenticeship really helped me develop as a manager and gave me functional tools, not just theory, that I could use in my day-to-day work. I have learnt how to build a high performing team and how to get the best out of them. I’ve also improved my planning and project management skills."

"It was an insightful and inspiring programme, from start to finish. This apprenticeship has given me a great understanding of how I should manage my own team. The modules were made enjoyable by our enthusiastic course leader and were presented in a light-hearted and informal setting. The theoretical coursework was demanding at times, but I was supported throughout by my encouraging tutor. The fundamental skills and knowledge that I’ve gained along the way will be invaluable to me as I progress through my career in management."

"I started working for Marshalls in 2014 as a Technician, I have had four career progressions since then and am now Group Technical Manager. Alongside my career progression, I have continued to study to continuously develop my skills. The apprenticeships have been a real platform for my knowledge and understanding to grow and due to the nature of the Marshalls based learning it gives a real insight into the Operation Management process. I was even lucky enough to win an award based on my Level 3 which is great to add to the portfolio. I was sceptical about being an apprentice in my early 30’s, but I am now signed up to do a Level 7 - I’ve been proven very wrong. For me, the benefit to the apprenticeships I have completed is that they are relatable and feel they add value to not only my current role, but my learning and career overall. Another positive is that you can complete the work within your paid hours."

“Choosing a Leadership and Management apprenticeship was a strategic decision for me. I saw it as a unique opportunity to learn whilst gaining practical experience aligned to my current role and future career ambitions. I'd wholeheartedly recommend apprenticeships to others for the transformative blend of hands-on learning, financial stability through earning, and invaluable mentorship. The practical experience gained is directly applicable to the real world, giving a head start in the workforce. It's an efficient pathway into a fulfilling career, offering a unique balance of education and practical skills. The mentorship component ensures personalised guidance, accelerating both professional and personal growth. My top three skills that I’ve gained from my development and learning journey are adaptability, communication, and continuous learning. I have embraced a mindset of lifelong learning, which has been transformative.”

"My team really enjoyed it, it opened up their thinking as to how they can develop. They came back with a very proactive perspective on how they can get the development that they need and that there are so many more opportunities open to them than they realised. They're suggesting new projects they would like to initiate that will develop their skills."

"Mentoring is a great way to use experience and knowledge in a way that directly benefits others. It’s the perfect opportunity to draw upon these experiences from a present-day perspective and use them to help steer and support others on their own career journey. This has personally given me the opportunity to reflect on my own hurdles, what they have taught me and how this influences me in the present. Mentoring can sometimes happen most naturally within departments between line managers and direct reports, I have found it so rewarding to also act as a mentor to colleagues outside of my business unit. This has given me the opportunity to not only grow my network but also gain deeper insight into the wider group and areas to which I may never have had the opportunity to be connected. The real motivation for me to be a mentor is to be a part of a colleague’s growth and success.”