The apprenticeship provides several significant benefits. I’m able to gain a full honours degree whilst working full time, with tuition funded through the apprenticeship levy. It also supports my progression towards Chartered Manager status, a nationally recognised and respected professional accreditation. A further benefit is the opportunity to apply learning directly in the workplace, making the knowledge immediately useful and strengthening my leadership capability, strategic thinking and long term career development. Both the university and Red Funnel provide consistent support, creating a structured and guided learning journey.
 

Balancing a degree apprenticeship with operational responsibilities requires a lot of organisation and forward planning. I set aside dedicated study time each week and plan assignment deadlines well in advance. Red Funnel has been highly supportive throughout the process, with my Head of Department recognising the level of commitment required and ensuring I can meet my off the job learning requirements. I am also encouraged to apply new concepts, models and analytical techniques to live projects, which enhances both my development and the contribution I can make to the business.

The apprenticeship aligns closely with my responsibilities as Passenger Operations Manager by helping me bridge day to day operational management with longer term organisational development. The programme supports areas such as:

• Operational leadership and informed decision-making.
• Understanding customer behaviours and improving service delivery.
• Strategic planning and resource optimisation.
• Leading teams through change.
• Using data to support forecasting and operational performance.
   

Throughout the apprenticeship, I have developed a range of new skills that I may not have gained otherwise. These have strengthened my ability to identify improvements, support my team effectively and contribute to operational excellence. Key skills include:

• Advanced leadership and coaching techniques that help me guide and motivate colleagues.
• Strategic management frameworks that strengthen my understanding of long term organisational planning.
• Financial analysis and commercial awareness that improve my ability to assess financial information and understand commercial impacts.
• Project management and structured planning that enhance my ability to plan, coordinate and deliver initiatives.
• Data interpretation and evidence based decision making that allow me to make more informed operational recommendations.
• A stronger understanding of how different business functions interconnect and influence one another.

The learning is a balanced combination of theory and practical application. The theoretical modules provide academic insight into business, leadership and management, whilst practical assignments and work based projects allow me to apply this knowledge directly to real operational scenarios at Red Funnel. This combination ensures that academic understanding is translated into tangible improvements in practice.

Most enjoyable:

• Seeing how academic frameworks can drive meaningful improvements in operational processes.
• Exploring how technology and data can support more effective decision making.
• Developing a deeper understanding of strategic management.
• Gaining insights that help me better support and develop my team.
  Most challenging:
• Managing workload during peak operational periods.
• Balancing academic deadlines with real time demands of the operation.
• Navigating some of the more technical or theory heavy modules, which require additional focus.
   

Progress is assessed through written assignments, case studies, presentations and evidence based project work. I also have monthly progress reviews with my Coach to track development. The programme concludes with a formal End Point Assessment (EPA), which includes a professional portfolio and a structured professional discussion. I am aiming to complete the apprenticeship in February 2028.

Fitting in further education around a full-time job and other commitments felt out of reach to me, but because apprenticeships are work based, it's enabled me to combine the two in a manageable way. It's fully funded through an apprenticeship levy, so the financial aspect is taken care of too. I'm also able to brush up on key skills such as maths and English, and there are learner resources within the apprenticeship portal that can be used for additional learning as well. 

Balancing the two can be tricky, especially if we have a busy day on board. I'm learning to keep organised and take advantage of opportunities to meet my off-the-job training requirements when they present themselves during the quieter moments. It does take dedication and planning; I keep track of the hours I spend studying, which helps me to stay focused on what is needed. My line manager is supportive in ensuring I get the time to complete my studies and its reassuring to know I can approach him for support should I feel I'm falling behind. 

A large part of the Operations Manager Apprenticeship is focused on leadership and people management, which form a big part to my role on board. During the on boarding process, HTP worked with me to ensure the course was a good fit and would be both relevant to my skillset whilst giving me opportunity to learn plenty of new skills as well. I'm still in the early days of my qualification but am already beginning to apply techniques I have learnt into my current role as OBSO.
 

I'm still in the early stages, but I will be learning about leadership and people management, integrating new digital tools and industry specific software, budgeting, resources management and sustainable leadership - to name a few of the many subjects it will cover. 

The learning is a combination of off-the-job training and hand-on experience. The theoretical side provides a lot of useful insight, which I can then apply practically through work-based projects and supporting and managing my team on board. My coach also leads monthly coaching sessions which have been very valuable. 

I like learning new things, so the knowledge and insight I'm gaining has been the most enjoyable part for me.  The most challenging part is working to a project deadline, which I haven't had to do since university 15 years ago!

Throughout the course I submit assignments, these are assessed and go on to form a portfolio of evidence. I have monthly progress sessions with my coach, which is really helpful in keeping me on track. During each of these we cover a new learning topic which sets the tone for the following month.  My mentor also joins the progress reviews every eight weeks. The course has a duration of two years, with the final section consisting of an EPA (End Point Assessment) and I'm looking at a completion date of November 2027. 

The biggest benefit is being able to apply what I’m learning directly to my role. It’s allowed me to build confidence as a leader, improve decision-making, and gain a recognised qualification while continuing to work full time.

Balancing work and study can be challenging at times, but I’m well supported by Red Funnel. My learning is closely linked to my day-to-day responsibilities, which makes it more manageable, and I’m given support and flexibility to develop and upskill.

The apprenticeship is very relevant to my role as an Onboard Service Officer. It supports areas such as team leadership, operational planning, incident management and performance improvement, all of which are key parts of my role.

I’ve developed stronger leadership and coaching skills, improved my ability to analyse problems, manage change, and plan operational improvements. I’ve also gained a better understanding of leadership theories and how to apply them in practice.

It’s a mix of both. There’s theoretical learning around leadership and management models, which I then apply practically within my role and reflect on through work-based projects.

The most enjoyable part is seeing the impact of changes I’ve implemented within my team. The most challenging aspect is balancing study alongside a busy operational role, but it’s also been very rewarding.

Progress is assessed through assignments, reflective work and work-based projects, leading to an end-point assessment. I’m aiming to complete the apprenticeship within the next 1-2 months.