A senior manager at Coventry College is underlining her passion for apprenticeships by signing up for one herself.

Gemma Knott, Assistant Principal for Business Growth, has started an MBA (Master of Business Administration) Apprenticeship with Arden University as she continues on her learning journey.

Using the College’s apprenticeship levy, she has been joined by the College’s Digital Learning Manager Judy Kay and other members of staff on the two-year programme which will lead to a Chartered Manager CMI qualification as well as the MBA.

The degree apprenticeships are the perfect way to combine academic learning with practical knowledge and skills.

Gemma has worked in Further Education for 12 years and is experienced in business transformation and customer experience and also leads on the College’s communications, PR, Marketing and Stakeholder engagement strategies.

She believes that signing up for the MBA Apprenticeship is a win-win situation for herself and Coventry College.

She said: “I think apprenticeships are a fantastic investment for businesses and give them the opportunity to upskill staff to learn new workplace skills and gain additional qualifications at the same time.

“No matter what stage of your life or career you’re at, whether you’re just leaving school or are in a full-time job role, apprenticeships can make a huge difference to your own career pathway and to the business or organisation you’re working for.

“It has been really straight-forward signing up for the apprenticeship and I think it’s important that employers show that commitment and investment in staff which can help them go from strength-to-strength.”

Coventry College offers a wide range of apprenticeships and works closely with employers across the region to deliver them.

The College is celebrating apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week 2021 by hosting a series of virtual group taster sessions for school leavers, giving them the opportunity to find out more about different apprenticeships and sign up for programmes starting in September.

Coventry College has also started to see the beginnings of an apprenticeship revival after enrolling more than 100 apprentices during the final quarter of 2020 despite the ongoing challenges businesses face due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gemma added: “I’m really passionate about apprenticeships but I wanted to practice what I preach so when they opportunity to do this apprenticeship came along, I grasped it with both hands.

“Hopefully, myself and the other staff completing this programme can implement the new skills and knowledge they gain in their roles at Coventry College.

“I’m hoping to use the MBA to support the College’s ambitious strategy for growth and innovation as we continue to invest in the future for our staff and learners.”

For more information about apprenticeships at Coventry College, please visit https://www.coventrycollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships/