Heart of England Training is proud to celebrate the success of Harry Loft, who has recently completed his Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship (CMI Level 3 First Line Management & Leadership) while working at West Norfolk Academies Trust.
Harry’s apprenticeship journey is an excellent example of how developing leadership capability alongside day-to-day responsibilities can have a lasting impact — not only on individual career progression, but on organisations as a whole.
Choosing the Apprenticeship Route
Harry chose an apprenticeship to develop the practical management skills needed to be an effective IT Manager. While technical knowledge is essential, Harry recognised that leadership within an IT environment requires much more than technical expertise alone.
“I wanted to build the managerial skills that make an IT Manager effective — things like coordinating workloads, supporting a team, communicating with non-technical staff, and understanding how IT decisions impact the wider business,” Harry explained. “Learning these skills in a live environment felt far more valuable than studying them in theory alone.”
By combining structured learning with real-world application, the apprenticeship allowed Harry to immediately embed leadership and management principles into his role at West Norfolk Academies Trust.
Learning with Heart of England Training
Throughout the programme, Harry was supported by his dedicated educator and the wider Heart of England Training team. The structure of the apprenticeship — blending one-to-one support with collaborative learning opportunities — was a key factor in Harry’s positive experience.
“I found the training to be very good,” Harry said. “My educator was always available to answer any queries promptly, and I never felt like a burden for needing to ask questions.”
One standout element for Harry was the HOET day courses, which brought apprentices together from different sectors and organisations.
“The day courses were what stood out most. They gave me insight from multiple educators and the opportunity to learn from other apprentices. It helped me understand how management and leadership can differ across organisations while still applying the same core principles.”
These sessions reflect Heart of England Training’s commitment to creating engaging learning environments where apprentices can broaden their perspectives and learn from shared experience.
Impact on Harry’s Role
Completing the Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship has had a tangible impact on Harry’s confidence and capability in his role. Gaining a clearer understanding of leadership models, project management techniques and people management has strengthened his ability to lead effectively within the IT department.
“The apprenticeship has definitely been beneficial,” Harry said. “It’s helped me understand the managerial side of my role much more clearly. Learning about leadership models and project management are skills I’ll use for the rest of my career.”
By investing in leadership development, West Norfolk Academies Trust supported Harry in strengthening both his individual performance and the effectiveness of the team around him.
Advice for Future Apprentices
When asked what advice he would give to others considering an apprenticeship, Harry is clear in his recommendation.
“Go for it,” he said. “It can feel like a big commitment, especially alongside your existing workload, but if you make the most of the experienced people around you, you will quickly learn — and you’ll find the experience genuinely rewarding.”
Harry also strongly recommends Heart of England Training as a training provider.
“Everyone has been friendly and supportive throughout the course. What I’ve achieved is a reflection of that support.”
Supporting Employers to Develop Their People
Harry’s success highlights the value apprenticeships bring to employers. By partnering with Heart of England Training, organisations are able to develop confident, capable leaders who contribute positively both during and beyond the apprenticeship.
At HOET, we work closely with employers to ensure training is relevant, flexible and aligned with organisational goals — helping businesses grow their people while maintaining operational excellence.
If you’re an employer looking to invest in leadership, strengthen your team, and support long-term workforce development, Heart of England Training is here to help.
👉 To find out more about how apprenticeships can benefit your organisation, visit www.hoet.co.uk or get in touch with our team today.
