Finding a clear platform for career development

Max joined Pearson at 18 as a data entry team assistant with GCSEs as his only qualifications. After a year he moved into a sales-based role and began to consider what he would do next in his career. It was at this point his manager suggested he should take an undergrad degree via an apprenticeship.

In comparison to friends who went to university, Max completed his apprenticeship degree without building up debt and says he, importantly, also had fun while doing it. As well as making financial sense to Max, while undertaking his apprenticeship he gained on-the-job experience and progressed his career at Pearson. On starting his apprenticeship he moved to manage a telesales team before returning to manage the same sales team he was part of just one year before. Most recently Max has moved to Pearson’s Global Online Schools division, working on Harrow School Online and then helping to launch Pearson Online Academy.

Max found the apprenticeship gave him a clear platform for development. Aside from gaining academic qualifications and hands-on experience, he also broadened his network. Alongside him on his course were learners from the BBC, IBM and other prestigious firms. Since completing the course Max has leveraged these connections in his day-to-day work.

A positive culture is important to Max, he always tries to make sure his teams are an inclusive environment for all, which in turn has helped boost team performance. This commitment was recognised by his peers and was the reason why he won the award for the apprenticeship Rising star of the South East in the 2020 National Apprenticeship Awards.

How has Covid affected Max

The pandemic has helped demonstrate the importance of Max’s job as it has brought online learning to the forefront of people’s minds. While the growth of online learning had been happening for a while, the pandemic has accelerated the trend and made it an essential part of the learning experience.

Looking to the future

After receiving a First Class Honours degree and a distinction on his apprenticeship, the scheme has opened up numerous opportunities for Max and he has now started his Senior Leaders apprenticeship. Beyond that, he has ambitions to have some academic research peer reviewed and published. He’s also exploring how he might work part-time as an associate lecturer in the future, combining his experiences of industry and academia in the classroom.

Name: Max
Age: 24
Location: London
Job title: Business Development and Growth Innovation Manager
Apprenticeship: Chartered management degree apprenticeship