A New Career Path with Purpose
When Philene first joined Newark and Sherwood District Council, her role required her to undertake the Associate Project Manager apprenticeship—despite having no previous project management experience. Instead of seeing this as a challenge, she embraced the opportunity to develop entirely new skills.
“I had no prior experience or qualifications in project management before applying for this role but was interested in continuing my learning while gaining hands‑on experience.”
Her decision to pursue an apprenticeship was driven by a desire to learn in a structured yet practical way. For Philene, the chance to combine professional responsibilities with ongoing development proved to be the ideal way to build confidence in a new field.
Support That Made a Difference
Throughout her programme, Philene felt consistently supported by her HOET educator, who ensured she had the guidance, resources, and constructive feedback needed to progress.
“I had regular one‑to‑one meetings with my educator, as well as review sessions with both my educator and manager. My educator was always accessible and very responsive.”
The variety of learning materials provided—ranging from podcasts to practice questions and recommended reading—helped her tailor her study approach to her personal learning style. This flexibility, combined with the encouragement she received, created an environment where she felt confident to ask questions and explore new ideas.
“I felt very comfortable approaching my educator and she always supported me to the best of her ability.”
Turning Theory into Practice
One of the biggest benefits Philene experienced was the ability to directly apply what she was learning to real projects at work. This hands‑on implementation not only strengthened her understanding, but also positively impacted her performance within the council.
“My apprenticeship proved extremely valuable in my role, allowing me to put theory into practice and gain a deeper understanding of project management.”
As her confidence and capability grew, so did her ability to navigate challenges and contribute effectively to project outcomes. The apprenticeship accelerated her professional development and gave her a strong foundation in a field she initially entered with little background knowledge.
Advice for Future Apprentices
Reflecting on her journey, Philene encourages others to remain open to learning—especially when stepping into unfamiliar territory.
“It is important to recognise your own learning style and understand that learning does not always follow a straight path.”
She believes apprenticeships offer an invaluable opportunity to develop practical skills while receiving structured support and real‑world experience.
Her message to anyone considering this route is clear:
“An apprenticeship provides the opportunity to put learning into practice and gain valuable hands‑on experience.”
A Strong Recommendation for HOET
Philene’s apprenticeship journey has been transformative, and she is keen to recommend HOET to others looking to advance their careers.
“I would definitely recommend HOET to someone interested in doing an apprenticeship!”
Her success is a testament to her hard work, the support of her employer, and the personalised guidance she received throughout her training.
Looking Ahead
As Philene moves forward in her career with newfound skills and confidence, her story stands as an inspiring example of how apprenticeships can open doors, build capability, and empower individuals to thrive in roles they once considered beyond their experience.
Heart of England Training is proud to have supported Philene on this journey—and we look forward to seeing all she achieves next.
