Sarah Nadin’s Journey to Senior Leadership through an Apprenticeship

Sarah Nadin is the digital manager at The Country Trust, the UK’s leading national educational charity connecting children from areas of high social and economic disadvantage with the land that sustains us all.

Sarah, who works part-time and has two young children, started a level 7 apprenticeship in senior leadership in April 2024.

Sarah said: “I was looking to do some higher level, continuing professional development and considered a master’s degree through a university. However, the time commitment and a further £14,000 on my student loan did not appeal and fortunately, at the same time I heard about the apprenticeship route.

“The provider, NCLM, told me about the Apprenticeship Levy which would fund 95% of the tuition costs, and about the levy transfer scheme; whereby other employers ‘donate’ some of their unused levy.

“I contacted Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, who in turn put a call out to local employers about levy transfer. This led to me securing the additional 5% funding from Stoke-on-Trent City Council.”

Sarah’s study is in two parts consisting of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Chartered Manager, which gives credits towards a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in strategic leadership with the University of Buckingham, all supported through the apprenticeship levy and the pathways offered by apprenticeship provider Captiva and their sister company, Leadership Matters.

Sarah said: “I probably would not have chosen to take a strategic leadership course as I was initially looking at a higher digital communications qualification. However, the course is steeped in psychology, people management, leadership and policy which is a great fit for my current role and career aspirations. Because of this fit my employer was happy to grant me the time and support I require as an apprentice.

“It has given me the opportunity to build foundations of theories and modules to support the organisational strategy as well as developing my management skills.

“I am now a firm advocate of apprenticeships as I know my qualifications will complement and strengthen my role. Employers may be cautious about investing time and money in such qualifications, but the rewards outweigh the risk and I feel fortunate to have discovered the apprenticeship route.”

Suzanne Quinn, Project Manager at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “It has been really rewarding to help Sarah work towards achieving her higher educational and career aspirations through the apprenticeship and the levy transfer scheme. We are constantly promoting the advantages of apprenticeships and Sarah’s case is a great example of they can be used for mid-career management progression.”

To speak to the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Skills Hub about training and funding streams email: skillshub@staffordshirechambers.co.uk