"You learn something, and you can apply it straight away. That’s where the real value is."
From Experience to Structured Leadership Development
I’m Head of Marketing and Planning at Avrion, a digital transformation company. I lead the marketing team and work closely with the commercial side of the business, planning how we bring new technologies and solutions to market.
I’ve progressed into leadership over time through experience and mentorship. But I wanted to formalise that knowledge and push myself further.
I’ve always had a passion for learning – and in the tech industry, you have to, because things change so quickly. The apprenticeship gave me a structured way to develop, while still applying everything in my role.
What it’s done is validate some of what I already knew but also challenge my assumptions and help me grow as a leader.
An Experienced Perspective on Apprenticeships
I’ve worked with apprenticeships for over 20 years, so I understood how they operate – the structure, the off-the-job learning, and how progress is tracked.
I expected a strong learning experience, but the KnowledgeBrief experience has surpassed that. The quality of the learning is excellent, the workshops are strong, and you get access to a wide range of skills coaches.
One of the biggest surprises was the peer connections. I’ve built relationships with other learners, and that support has been incredibly valuable.
Learning That Translates Directly into Practice
One of the defining aspects of the programme has been its immediate, practical application.
Caroline:
You learn something, and you can apply it straight away. That’s where the real value is.
For example, I’ve applied my learning to reviewing and improving internal policies – identifying gaps, updating what we had, and making everything more accessible and transparent across the business.
The programme gives you the theory, but it’s about applying it in your own context: your team, your organisation, and your industry.
Strengthening Leadership Through “Strong Skills”
A key theme throughout Caroline’s experience has been the development of leadership behaviours often labelled as “soft skills”.
Caroline:
They’re not soft skills, they’re strong skills.
They’re about how you interact with people, build relationships, and adapt your leadership style depending on the situation and the individual.
What’s also stood out is how much leadership depends on context – whether you’re navigating growth, supporting individuals, or shaping strategy.
Creating Impact Across the Organisation
The impact of the programme has extended beyond individual development.
Caroline:
It’s changed how I work. I’m more autonomous in my role, and there’s greater trust in how I make decisions. Within my team, we’ve created a more open environment where people feel comfortable trying new ideas.
That’s especially important in marketing; you need that space to test, learn, and adapt.
It’s also influenced how I approach recruitment and onboarding, making sure we’re being more intentional about representation and supporting people as they join the business.
Support That Makes the Difference
The support has been excellent. My Skills Coach has challenged me, stretched my thinking, and brought real-world experience into the learning. The wider network of coaches and workshops has added even more value.
The learning platform, KBPro®, brings everything together in one place – progress tracking, learning, reflections – and makes it easy to see what to focus on next.
What’s really stood out is the access to additional learning beyond the core programme. Even where something isn’t directly part of my apprenticeship, I can explore it if it’s relevant to my role.
In fact, I’m at a stage where I could move towards completion, but I’ve chosen to continue learning for as long as possible, just to make the most of everything available.
Rethinking Apprenticeships at Senior Level
Caroline’s experience challenges common perceptions around apprenticeships.
Caroline:
It’s reinforced that apprenticeships aren’t just for early careers. Many leaders step into roles without formal training. Apprenticeships help validate what you already know, challenge your thinking, and build confidence in how you lead.
They’re not just for starting out – they’re for evolving, upskilling, and developing at any stage in your career.
A Valuable Investment for Organisations
Apprenticeships are a very effective way to develop and upskill your people.
They support continuous learning, which is increasingly important for attracting and retaining talent.
When you invest in your leaders, that has a ripple effect across the organisation.
Final Thoughts
Apprenticeships don’t just benefit the individual; they benefit the whole organisation. They help build stronger leaders, and that impacts teams, culture, and performance.
I’m a huge advocate for apprenticeships – and a big supporter of KnowledgeBrief.
Looking to develop your leadership capability, or support the growth of your people?
Discover how KnowledgeBrief’s Apprenticeships help build confident, capable professionals across your organisation.