Meet Rebecca: Real Skills. Real Impact.

Name: Rebecca Alderson

Designation: Training Manager

Location: HGS UK

Real Skills, Real Projects

I am proud to have recently achieved a distinction in my Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship while working as a Training Manager at HGS UK.

Taking on an apprenticeship alongside a busy leadership role was both a challenge and an opportunity. I wanted to broaden my skillset and build a deeper understanding of project management, but what I did not anticipate was just how much the experience would strengthen my confidence and reshape the way I approach projects in my role.

One of the most valuable parts of the apprenticeship was the chance to apply project management principles directly to real business initiatives, rather than learning theory in isolation. Throughout the programme, I developed my knowledge, skills and behaviours across a range of disciplines, including project governance, stakeholder management, risk management, budgeting and resource planning, scheduling, change management, quality assurance and continuous improvement. Putting these concepts into practice immediately meant every project I worked on had to deliver measurable value, stay aligned to business objectives and meet stakeholder expectations.

Bringing the Trainer Academy Programme to life

A significant part of my apprenticeship focused on leading and evaluating the Trainer Academy Programme (TAP), an internal initiative designed to build trainer capability, create a sustainable talent pipeline and reduce reliance on external training support.

Using project management methodologies, I planned, delivered and evaluated the programme while balancing everyday business priorities. This involved stakeholder analysis and engagement, risk management and mitigation planning, project scheduling and milestone tracking, governance and reporting, resource and dependency management, scope and change control, and evaluating outcomes to capture lessons learned. Working on a live business project brought the apprenticeship to life and showed me exactly how strong project management can support capability building and long-term business success.

I apply these principles every time I launch a new training programme, introduce a digital learning solution, allocate resources or manage stakeholder expectations. As a result, I feel far better equipped to support the business as it grows, develop trainer capability and deliver learning solutions that create meaningful value for our people and our clients.

Proving it under pressure

The apprenticeship concluded with a rigorous end-point assessment that tested both my technical knowledge and my practical experience. It consisted of a written project report of up to 3,800 words, a 20-minute presentation on my project outcomes followed by questioning, and a professional discussion drawing on workplace evidence and real examples from projects I had led at HGS.

Preparing for the assessment took real commitment, balancing study time with managing a team, supporting multiple campaigns and delivering ongoing business priorities. Achieving a Distinction at the end of that process was an incredibly proud moment, and one that reflected the hard work invested throughout the programme.

What it means for my role today

Project management is a genuine part of my day-to-day responsibilities as a Training Manager, and the apprenticeship has given me a far more structured and strategic approach to delivering learning solutions.

The skills I gained have strengthened my ability to build and manage project plans and schedules, identify and mitigate risks before they affect delivery, manage stakeholders and communication plans effectively, control scope and change requests, and use data and reporting to guide decisions. I am now better placed to evaluate project success, measure business impact, and lead initiatives that align with wider strategic objectives.

Looking back

Completing the apprenticeship has been one of the most rewarding development experiences of my career. While the Distinction is a fantastic outcome, the real value lies in the skills, confidence and knowledge I have built along the way. It has strengthened my ability to lead projects, drive business improvement and deliver meaningful results for both our people and our clients.

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to take the opportunity. It is an investment in your development that provides practical skills, a recognised qualification and the chance to make a real impact within your organisation. For me, this journey has been about far more than achieving a qualification. It has been about continuous learning, personal growth and proving that with the right mindset and determination, great things are possible.

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