For National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve shared insights from staff who have completed apprenticeships alongside their roles at Sussex.
For the final article this week Adrian reflects on how his apprenticeship helped shape his professional mindset — from being more open about mistakes, to better understanding organisational culture, and approaching workplace challenges with greater perspective. His experience highlights how apprenticeships can support not only technical development, but also confidence, self-awareness, and how we work with others across the University.
Adrian Imms, Head of Content Strategy, completed the Chartered Manager Level 6 Degree apprenticeship and achieved ahead of schedule
Looking back now, how has completing your apprenticeship influenced your confidence or mindset at work?
Knowing that everyone is fallible and that humans make decisions in their work based on many factors - and that being open about your mistakes is OK. Showing weakness can be a sign of strength.
What skills or ways of working from your apprenticeship are you still using regularly today?
The most striking thing for me was developing an awareness of the culture of Sussex and how people make sense of their place within a big organisation. These things have helped me see problems or possible conflicts through a more abstract lens and view them as less personal.
What value do you think the apprenticeship has brought to the University beyond your own development?
I would hope it's made me a better person to work with. Perhaps more open to ideas and more aware of what I don't know. This means the people I work with hopefully have a better experience in their jobs and in their own lives, because our work can be such a big part of our lives. If you have a job you enjoy, or at least colleagues you enjoy doing your job with, that is a very enriching part of life, and it can be one of the things that gets you out of bed in the morning.
What would you say to a colleague who is not sure if an apprenticeship is "worth it"?
Only they can answer that. An apprenticeship is worth it if you can visualise how it will improve you and you want to do the best you can. If you've already done a lot of education and aren't sure if it's worth your time, then you're probably better off putting your energy into something else.
What advice would you give to someone about to start an apprenticeship alongside a busy role?
This is actually a valid concern. It's not as straight-forward as saying, "Just go for it." Anyone thinking of going down the apprenticeship route needs to consider their current situation. Do you have a busy role with lots of responsibilities? Do you have, or are you likely to encounter, caring responsibilities in your personal life? Are you undergoing any major projects at work that might cause a pinch point later on? Can you foresee any big life moments, such as buying a house or recovering from surgery? While none of these things should stop you considering an apprenticeship, you need to be realistic about whether now is the right time. I'd say you need to be in a fairly good place to embark on an apprenticeship. I did a three-year apprenticeship and a lot changed in my work life and personal life over that time. While there is always support for unexpected times, you should definitely allow room for it in your life, as it is a big commitment.
What helped you stay motivated through the more challenging parts of the programme?
Just knowing that I didn't want to quit. The idea of dropping out halfway through was not an option. If you want something, never give up.
What’s your plan in the event of a zombie apocalypse?
Find somewhere secluded with fruit trees and a natural spring, and read all my degree textbooks again - from cover-to-cover this time.....
Adrian’s reflections highlight something we hear often from staff apprentices — that the impact of an apprenticeship continues long after completion. From confidence and self-awareness to how we work with colleagues and approach challenges, the benefits often reach far beyond the programme itself.
Completing an apprenticeship alongside a busy role is a significant achievement, and every apprenticeship journey is different. If you’re considering an apprenticeship and want to explore what might be right for you, please do get in touch —staffapprenticeships@sussex.ac.uk