Conservatories & Extensions
Conservatory Apprenticeship Programme Sees Further Success
Wakefield ’ s Conservatory Outlet is celebrating its expanded support for learning and development as two members of senior management are the first to pass through the company ’ s Degree Apprenticeship programme .
Michelle Horne ( Operations Manager ) and Sarah Fox ( Account Manager ) have completed their Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Operations Management .
To achieve this qualification , comparable to a foundation degree , the pair had to participate in monthly training masterclasses across the course ’ s two-year duration . Alongside these regular workshops , Michelle and Sarah also received one-toone mentoring and had to complete a series of practical activities and examinations .
Their final assessment was centred around the delivery of a project they implemented at work , culminating in a presentation about their chosen project ’ s impact on the business to a panel of academic teachers and business leaders .
Completing the course was a full-circle moment for Michelle , who started her career in the industry as an entry-level apprentice and has since gone on to mentor other learners in the business . This role in helping newcomers to the industry saw her named Mentor of the Year in the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards .
“ Apprenticeships have been central to my entire career ,” Michelle explains .
“ Recently , I ’ ve been helping with Conservatory Outlet ’ s apprenticeship programme , mentoring several school-leavers as they join the business and begin their professional careers . So , being able to enter the classroom again , so to speak , and become a learner again was a privilege .
“ If you ’ d have asked me when I first left school whether or not I ’ d end up with a qualification like this , I ’ d say absolutely not !
“ Conservatory Outlet has been incredibly supportive and placed great faith and trust in me . They ’ ve believed in me , even when I didn ’ t believe in myself . They gave me the best chance to succeed and grow , both personally and professionally .”
It ’ s a similar story for Sarah , who jumped at the chance to undertake the Level 5 qualification . After completing a Level 2 and Level 3 course earlier in her career in a different sector , she felt the time was right to dip back into academia after recently moving into a more senior role within the business .
Michelle and Sarah ’ s achievement is just the tip of the iceberg . Several staff members who are enrolled in the course are expected to complete their final assessments in the coming months , and they will mark the first ‘ class ’ to graduate from the company ’ s Degree Apprenticeship programme .
These specific higher-level training qualifications come after a hugely successful year for Conservatory Outlet ’ s apprenticeships scheme . The company continues to provide training and development opportunities for both new and existing members of its workforce , with nearly a quarter of the manufacturer ’ s 180-strong team benefitting from access to additional work-based qualifications .
Karen Starkey , Conservatory Outlet ’ s Head of HR , concludes : “ It ’ s great to see Michelle and Sarah thrive and obtain their Level 5 HND Diplomas . As a company , we firmly believe in apprenticeships and provide a variety of pathways for people to advance their careers , such as this Graduate Degree Programme or support for newcomers to the sector or workforce with Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications .
“ We ’ ve invested £ 250,000 into training and development . As we continue to grow the business , we must have the ability to bring through and nurture talent . Michelle and Sarah are the first two to benefit from our Degree Apprenticeship programme , and many more will undoubtedly follow .”
For further information , please visit www . conservatoryoutlet . co . uk or follow the company on its socials @ conservatoryoutlet
CLEARVIEW-UK . COM MARCH 2025
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