To start our celebration of our apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week, we’re sharing staff stories that highlight the real impact of completing an apprenticeship at Sussex. In this interview, Nichola Sedge, Assistant HR Business Partner, reflects on completing her HR Consultant Partner Level 5 apprenticeship with CIPD and how it has strengthened her confidence, strategic thinking and professional voice within HR. Nichola also shares honest insights and practical advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship.
Looking back now, how has completing your apprenticeship influenced your confidence or mindset at work?
Completing my CIPD Level 5 apprenticeship has massively boosted my confidence. I’ve always worked hard and learnt on the job, but gaining a recognised qualification has given me the reassurance that my practical experience is backed by solid professional knowledge. It’s changed the way I approach things — I feel more confident challenging decisions, offering solutions, and positioning myself as a trusted HR partner. It’s genuinely helped me see myself as someone who deserves to be at the table, not just supporting from the sidelines.
If you compare yourself now to before you started the apprenticeship, what feels most different?
The biggest difference is being able to connect what I do every day with the wider strategic HR picture. Before the apprenticeship, I relied mainly on experience and instinct. Now, I have the theory, frameworks and best practices to back up my decisions. I’m more analytical, more structured in my thinking, and much more confident influencing managers. I also feel a lot prouder of my journey — progressing from HR Admin to Assistant Business Partner without going to university, and proving to myself that I’m capable of achieving qualifications at that level.
What would you say to a colleague who is unsure whether an apprenticeship is “worth it”?
I’d say absolutely go for it. Apprenticeships give you structured learning that you can immediately apply in your role, and they open doors that might feel out of reach otherwise — especially if, like me, you didn’t take the university route. It is a commitment, but the growth you get from it is worth every bit of the effort. You gain confidence, new skills, and recognition for the work you already do. And the support you receive along the way makes it manageable, even in a busy role.
What advice would you give to someone about to start an apprenticeship alongside a busy role?
My advice would be to own your time from the start. Block out your off‑the‑job learning in your calendar and treat it as non‑negotiable. Communicate with your manager early so expectations are clear, and don’t be afraid to ask for space when you need it. Break assignments into small tasks instead of leaving them to the last minute — that was a game‑changer for me. And finally, be kind to yourself: you can do both, but good organisation and honest conversations really make the difference.
What’s the most unusual talent or party trick you have?
My unusual talent is that I’m surprisingly good at doing headstands. I used to win every headstand challenge going — until one evening of competitive head‑stand‑offs left me with vertigo shortly afterwards. I’m still not sure if the two were connected, but it was enough for me to retire from my headstand career! It was a fun party trick while it lasted.
Nichola’s story shows how apprenticeships can build confidence, credibility and career momentum, offering a powerful route for professional development alongside a busy role. If your role has changed recently or you are looking to progress in your career, apprenticeships can help you to upskill for the future with no financial cost to you or your department. staffapprenticeships@sussex.ac.uk