In the Spotlight: Jo Cardwell’s Journey with Heart of England Training
From Telesales to Apprenticeship Advocate
Jo Cardwell has been an integral part of our team for the past 3.5 years, making a meaningful impact on apprentices and businesses alike. Her career journey is a true reflection of dedication and professional growth.
Jo first joined Heart of England Training as a Telesales Executive. It didn’t take long for her curiosity about apprenticeships to grow into a passion, and after just a year, an opportunity arose for her to step into the role of National Apprenticeship Account Manager as we expanded nationally. This move marked the beginning of her rewarding career in account management, where she has thrived in providing guidance and support to both businesses and individuals.
Why Jo Loves Being Part of Heart of England Training
“The people here make all the difference,” Jo says, reflecting on the supportive and friendly environment that makes HOET special. When faced with the choice to return to her previous role in the events industry after being made redundant during COVID-19, Jo chose to stay—her strong connections with colleagues and the meaningful work she was doing made the decision an easy one.
Jo enjoys the variety her role brings, from providing information and guidance to conducting enrolments in line with ESFA guidelines and compliance. One of her greatest passions is working with employers to identify skills gaps and offering diverse apprenticeship opportunities that benefit both individuals and businesses. She remains a key point of contact, keeping employers updated on their apprentices’ progress throughout the programme.
At the heart of everything, Jo values the care and dedication that define HOET. Seeing apprentices grow and develop is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job, and she takes pride in being able to make a real difference.
A Day in Jo’s Life at HOET
As an Apprenticeship Account Manager, Jo plays a key role in supporting a range of programmes, including:
- Associate Project Manager Level 4
- Business Administrator Level 3
- Multi-Channel Marketer Level 3
- Customer Service Level 2 and 3
- Team Leader Level 3
- Operations Manager Level 5
Her role extends far beyond account management—Jo ensures that each apprenticeship standard aligns with the job role and serves as a vital support system for both learners and businesses, especially when challenges arise. She works closely with the wider team to make sure every apprentice has a positive and successful experience.
Life Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Jo finds happiness in spending time with her family and enjoying her hobbies. She loves arena eventing, cross-country riding, and woodland hacks with her horse, Sky. Caravan holidays with her husband and two children are a favourite escape, along with growing vegetables and flowers as a family.
Shout-Outs and Gratitude
Jo credits much of her growth to the incredible support from colleagues like Riv and Matt, who saw her potential despite her lack of industry experience. Their patience and guidance, alongside the encouragement from the wider account management team, Ruth, and the marketing team, have been instrumental in her success.
“Working with such a supportive team has been key to my success. It also helps keep things fresh and engaging for employers and learners,” Jo shares.
Final Thoughts
Jo’s journey is a testament to the power of a supportive work environment and the lasting impact that dedicated individuals can have on apprenticeships.
To read more inspiring stories from our team, click here!
