From Experience to Leadership: Kieran’s Apprenticeship Journey
Kieran Ray’s apprenticeship journey demonstrates how work-based learning can help experienced employees build confidence, strengthen leadership skills and create a positive impact within their organisations.
Having already completed an ILM Level 3 Management apprenticeship and been named Cambrian Training Company’s Apprentice of the Year 2024, Kieran has continued to invest in his professional development. He is now undertaking a Level 5 Leadership and Management apprenticeship, applying higher-level leadership and management skills within his Maintenance Manager role at Celtic Manor Resort.
His success highlights how apprenticeships are not just for young people entering the workforce. They also provide valuable opportunities for adult learners and experienced employees to gain recognised qualifications, develop new skills and prepare for greater responsibility.
Building Leadership Skills Through Apprenticeships
Before beginning his apprenticeship journey, Kieran had already gained considerable workplace experience and a strong understanding of operational environments. However, he recognised that to progress further in his career, he needed to develop his leadership and management capabilities.
Through his Level 3 apprenticeship and now his Level 5 programme, Kieran has gained the confidence and knowledge to think beyond day-to-day operational responsibilities and adopt a broader leadership perspective.
The apprenticeship has encouraged him to think more strategically about team performance, workplace culture, staff wellbeing and organisational development. By combining structured learning with practical workplace application, he has been able to apply new skills and knowledge directly within his role.
Reflecting on the experience, Kieran said:
“The apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to look beyond my day-to-day responsibilities and think more strategically about leadership, culture and supporting people. I’ve gained confidence in my decision-making and developed skills that I can apply directly within my role every day.”
Turning Learning into Workplace Improvement
A key element of Kieran’s Level 5 apprenticeship has been project management. Through the programme, he has explored a range of project management tools, frameworks and evaluation techniques before applying them to real workplace situations.
One example involved examining operational pressures around Blue Monday and other challenging periods throughout the year. Using the skills developed through his apprenticeship, Kieran reviewed factors including staff wellbeing, workload demands and workplace pressures, encouraging reflection on how businesses can better support employees.
This practical approach demonstrates how apprenticeships allow learners to contribute to meaningful improvements while developing their own professional capabilities.
Developing a More Strategic and Inclusive Approach
As Kieran’s confidence has grown, so too has his understanding of the wider factors that influence team performance and workplace culture.
His apprenticeship has encouraged him to explore issues surrounding equality, inclusion and representation, helping him consider how leaders can create supportive and positive working environments where everyone feels valued.
This broader perspective reflects his development from an operationally focused manager to a more strategic leader who understands the importance of people, culture and organisational wellbeing.
Learning That Creates Lasting Impact
Kieran’s apprenticeship journey has strengthened his leadership and decision-making skills, increased his confidence and enhanced his ability to analyse workplace challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
His progression from an award-winning Level 3 apprentice to studying at Level 5 demonstrates the value of lifelong learning and the opportunities apprenticeships can create for adult learners already established in their careers.
For Adult Learners’ Week, Kieran’s story is a powerful reminder that learning has no age limit. Through the support of Celtic Manor Resort and Cambrian Training Company, Kieran continues to demonstrate how apprenticeships can help people build on their experience, broaden their leadership skills and make a lasting difference in the workplace.
His journey shows that it is never too late to learn, grow and take the next step in your career.
