Katixa Hubbard Assistant Manager | McDonald’s Level 4 Apprenticeship success story
About Katixa
At just 21 years old, Katixa Hubbard has already built an impressive career with McDonald’s. Having joined the business five years ago as a crew member, she has progressed through the ranks to become an Assistant Manager. Alongside her own development, she has also mentored two Level 2 apprentices, demonstrating her commitment to supporting others.
Katixa is currently working full-time while completing her Level 4 NVQ Hospitality Management apprenticeship, having previously achieved her Level 3 Hospitality Management qualification. Outside of work, she plays netball three times a week, is training to become a qualified umpire, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Finding the Right Path
After leaving school, Katixa wasn’t certain what direction she wanted to take. She knew that university wasn’t the right option for her, so she began working part-time at McDonald’s while deciding on her future.
As her confidence and responsibilities grew, she discovered that apprenticeships offered the perfect combination of earning, learning and career progression. She enrolled on a Level 3 apprenticeship shortly after being promoted to Shift Manager and, following her promotion to Assistant Manager two years later, continued her development by progressing onto a Level 4 qualification.
Building Skills and Confidence
One of the biggest benefits Katixa has gained from her apprenticeship has been having a clear sense of direction. The programme helped her understand where she wanted her career to go while providing the knowledge and skills to support that journey.
Throughout both qualifications, she has developed important professional skills, particularly resilience and self-motivation.
Reflecting on her journey, Katixa explains that when she first started her Level 3 apprenticeship, she found written assignments particularly challenging and often became discouraged if she didn’t immediately understand a task. Over time, she learned to research independently, use available resources, and work through problems before asking for support.
Today, she confidently completes written reports and feels far more capable than when she first enrolled.
Personal Growth
The apprenticeship has played a significant role in Katixa’s personal development.
It has strengthened her confidence both in the workplace and academically. Reflecting on real situations as an Assistant Manager has increased her leadership confidence, while completing written assignments has greatly improved her communication skills.
She is particularly proud of successfully achieving her Level 3 qualification and progressing to the Level 4 apprenticeship, especially as she was initially unsure whether she would be able to cope with the demands of a higher-level qualification.
Support Along the Way
Katixa credits her Training Officer, Alex Woolfenden, as one of the biggest influences on her success throughout the programme.
His regular constructive feedback, encouragement and ongoing support have helped simplify challenging assignments and given her confidence whenever she has faced difficulties.
Advice for Others
Katixa believes apprenticeships are an excellent option for anyone who wants to gain recognised qualifications while working.
She values the support available throughout the programme and appreciates having dedicated time during her working day to complete assignments.
For anyone unsure about their future, she encourages them to remain open-minded and remember that opportunities can develop in unexpected ways.
In Her Own Words
Reflecting on her journey through the programme, Katixa said:
“If you put your mind to something, it is always achievable. When I started, I never thought I would be able to reach a degree-level qualification, but I am now so close to achieving it.”
She added:
“Because of this programme, I now have high-level qualifications I can use to support my future plans.”
Describe your apprenticeship in three words:
Confidence-building. Motivating. Stretching.
