Apprenticeship success story – Fern Bell

In this blog post, we highlight the inspiring apprenticeship journey of Fern Bell, Head of Learning & Development at Bellrock Group.

Fern recently achieved a Level 3 Learning & Development Practitioner qualification with a Pass, adding formal L&D expertise to her extensive training background and positioning her to expand Bellrock’s in-house learning offering.

Fern has generously agreed to share her experience, complete with tips for future learners, to encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship as a route to professional growth.

Read our Q&A below to discover how her apprenticeship shaped her role and boosted her confidence.

Q) What led you to start your chosen apprenticeship?

I came into the role with lots of hands-on training experience but not L&D expertise. I wanted the foundational knowledge to support the work that I was already doing.

Q) What does a typical day look like for you?

There really isn’t a ‘typical’ day for me. One moment I’m arranging apprenticeship courses; the next I’m setting up graduate assessment centres or delivering our face-to-face Leadership & Management courses.

Q) Can you share an example of applying the knowledge you gained?

When tasked with creating our Leadership & Management courses, I drew on what I’d learned about delivery channels. Although the programme is mainly face-to-face, I built in online and self-directed elements to suit different learning styles.

Q) Do you have an example of applying your new skills?

I have several sensitive, confidential situations to handle when delivering our L&D course. The apprenticeship equipped me with the confidence and practical skills to manage them professionally.

Q) How have you demonstrated the behaviours you developed?

Flexibility to changing business needs has been the key behaviour I’ve learned. Priorities shift quickly at my workplace, so learning to be flexible in my approach allowed me to deliver everything on schedule.

Q) How would you describe the apprenticeship journey to someone thinking of starting?

It’s like doing your job while learning along the way. Sometimes you learn something on the journey that you can apply to your day-to-day job, and other times you realise that the theories you’re taught are things you already do on a daily basis.

Q) What advice would you give to someone starting an apprenticeship?

Just do it! I always thought of apprenticeship being for younger people but now I know they can be done by anyone. I used this apprenticeship to upskill myself and this has worked wonders for me in my role.

Q) How did your manager or mentor and trainer support you?

My line manager pushed me outside my comfort zone and supported me in making sure I had the right scope of work to cover all aspects of the apprenticeship.

Q) If you completed a final project, tell us about it.

I designed a learning solution to close a skills gap in giving feedback and conducting Personal Development Reviews. It required engaging senior stakeholders for data, which boosted my confidence when working with leadership.

Q) Was there a highlight of your apprenticeship?

I loved the monthly assignments. They introduced me to new concepts but also helped me realise that many of the expected practices were already part of my everyday work.

Q) Has the apprenticeship helped your future aspirations?

Absolutely. I now manage a team focused on expanding our L&D offering, and I’m planning to take the next step by starting a Level 7 apprenticeship.

Q) Name one positive experience you’ve taken away.

Confidence in what I can do is the biggest positive for me. I now feel like I can excel even further in my role and take on new challenges with a greater assurance.

Fern’s story demonstrates that apprenticeships can benefit both experienced professionals and entry-level talent.

Her journey from seasoned trainer to strategic Head of Learning and Development shows how structured learning can unlock new opportunities and boost self-confidence.

Thinking about upskilling yourself or your team through an apprenticeship or training programme? Contact our team today to explore the options and start your own success story.