#NAW2021 Apprenticeship Case Study: Jade Nutting, Office Manager and Team Leader Apprentice at HPR Services LTD

National Apprenticeship Week 2021

Gloucestershire College is a proud champion of apprenticeships. To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2021, we are showcasing success stories from our amazing apprentices and employers.

No matter what your career goals are, an apprenticeship can help you achieve them. At Gloucestershire College, we are developing the business leaders of the future. Jade Nutting, Office Manager and Team Leader Apprentice at HPR Services LTD, shared with us how her apprenticeship has benefited her skills.

Read more about Jade’s experience as an apprentice below.

Jade Nutting, Office Manager and Team Leader Apprentice at HPR Services LTD

What made you choose to do a leadership apprenticeship?

I wanted to advance and improve in the skills required for my current role as a manager at HPR. I also wanted to expand my knowledge of management and business in general to gain the correct skillset that I could then demonstrate them within my role. This was to be able to better myself and improve the quality of our working environment for my team and myself. The reason for choosing an apprenticeship was so I was still able to learn on the job, demonstrating and practising what I have learnt and then implementing in the day to day running of the company.

Tell us about your job role and how your apprenticeship has helped you?

I am currently working as an office manager within a large team. I manage a small business day to day with a large range of duties including implementing and maintaining procedures and office administrative systems, using the appropriate communication to liaise with staff, suppliers and clients, along with building ongoing relationships too. I deal with correspondence, complaints or queries, using leadership skills and delegation in order to make the relevant decisions.

The apprenticeship has influenced my confidence and by increasing my own self-awareness has allowed me to grow as an individual which will be reflected within my role. Due to my job being very demanding, learning on the job has allowed me to continue my duties but also study and go onto gaining a qualification.

What key skills have your learnt through your apprenticeship?

This apprenticeship has helped me in my role by teaching me the knowledge and skills that are needed to run a team efficiently from leading people to managing them. I’ve learnt about my own self-awareness and how I can adapt my style to suit the needs of others as well as being able to implement the correct behaviours within the workplace by using the correct communication and how to build relationships.

The apprenticeship has also taught me in depth knowledge about project management and how to run projects effectively, including looking at the finances within the company and how to monitor this successfully. I’ve also learnt about operational management to create the highest level of efficiency within the organisation.

Have you felt supported by your tutor despite the difficulties caused by the Covid pandemic?

Since Covid, I have been working from home and although this has been challenging at times, I have got myself into a good working routine and made an office space so I believe this has helped. I have managed to remain determined and motivated to help keep the company working efficiently as it can during these difficult times.

I have still been supported by my tutor, Linda, who has been brilliant. Although we can’t meet in person at the moment, we hold regular Teams meetings instead.

What are your career ambitions for after you finish your apprenticeship?

After finishing the course, it will give me a better understanding of my duties as a manager and progression that would provide me with the knowledge and skills I need to succeed. A tool set for life!

In regards to my career, it is my aim to manage and motive a hardworking team of staff that are successful - within an enjoyable and positive environment, creating a happy workforce.

Who knows in the future, I may complete the Level 5 Operations / Department Manager course!

Would you recommend doing a leadership and management apprenticeship?

I would recommend others to do a leadership and management apprenticeship due to being able to learn on the job. This allows you to put into practise what you are learning rather than completing a course and then able to make the changes after, I believe this has a better impact for the individual and the company.

However, it’s not without its challenges! The course is intense and you learn a whole range of core areas so you do have to invest a lot of your time into it. But if you have the determination and motivation then it is worth doing. You get out of it what you put in!

By having a tutor assigned to you on the apprenticeship, it allows you to learn directly from them and their experiences - they are there to guide you, for advice and you can discuss certain projects and topics to be able to reflect and debate about.

Grow and develop your team from within

Operations Manager at HPR Services LTD, Chris Allen, shared with us how they have invested in staff through apprenticeships and developed the talent and skills of their business from within: “Apprenticeships have been a great way for HPR to expand and upskill our current workforce. We can adapt their training according to the needs of our business which is constantly evolving and diversifying as our business continues to grow.” Read more about how HPR Services LTD use apprenticeships in their business here.

Start a leadership apprenticeship at Gloucestershire College

Find out more about our leadership programmes below:

Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship

Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager Apprenticeship

Contact: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400 for more information.

Recruit an apprentice with Gloucestershire College

Awarded ‘Gloucestershire’s Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2020,’ Gloucestershire College is committed to delivering excellence for our apprentices and employers. Our GC Business Hub team will listen to your needs and requirements and advise on the right training programme for your business. Our management programmes are ideal to develop the future leaders of your business. Contact our team today to find out more via: business.hub@gloscol.ac.uk or call: 01452 563400.