Join us in celebrating National Apprenticeship Week this week as we shine the spotlight on some of our talented colleagues, who are receiving valuable skills and development opportunities from our wide range of apprenticeship programmes.
Stay tuned over on our Capita LinkedIn page throughout the week, where we’ll be sharing #NAW2025 content each day.
Today, we meet Joanne Furlong, Operations manager at Capita, who is currently on our Senior Leader Level 7 apprenticeship programme with apprenticeship provider, Corndel. Don’t forget to watch Joanne’s day in the life video over on our LinkedIn page today.
What motivated you to take on an apprenticeship at Capita, and how has it impacted your career so far?
I was excited to find out that I could pursue a qualification alongside my day to day responsibilities here at Capita. This has allowed me to apply the knowledge I'm gaining directly to my leadership and management practices, leading to improvements for myself, my team, and the business as a whole. The insights and skills I've gained have empowered me to make swift, informed decisions on various projects.
I was motivated to take on an apprenticeship because it gave me the chance to blend practical experience with academic learning. This has not only enhanced my professional skills, but also sparked a passion for continuous improvement. The impact on my career has been truly transformative. I've become more confident in my abilities and more effective in my role, which has not only benefited me, but also contributed to the success of my team and, I’d like to think, the company.
Can you share a specific project or task where the skills you gained from your apprenticeship were particularly beneficial?
One specific project where the skills I gained particularly made a difference was transforming our team's performance culture. Learning about leading with purpose, has helped me develop a high-performing culture by setting clear goals and accountabilities. This involved championing the value in diversity, ensuring that every team member's unique strengths were recognised and used.
By applying coaching and mentoring techniques, I was able to create a supportive environment that encouraged continuous learning and growth. With a deeper understanding of organisational and team dynamics, I restructured our team to better align with our strategic objectives, leveraging matrix management and agile working principles to enhance flexibility and responsiveness.
By influencing and negotiating effectively, I was able to secure the resources and buy-in from stakeholders to push the project forward. This led to the creation of a cohesive, high-performing team that not only met but exceeded our business goals.
Have you faced challenges during your apprenticeship, and if so, how did you overcome them?
Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve faced some challenges. At times I felt that my workload was overwhelming, but I was able to turn this into an opportunity for growth. By improving my time management skills and flexibility, I was able to stay on track and even get ahead. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability, enabling me to balance my responsibilities effectively and complete my tasks to the best of my ability.
How has the apprenticeship program at Capita supported your professional growth and development?
The apprenticeship programme at Capita has been a key part of my professional growth and development - the unique mix of practical experience and academic learning has allowed me to apply new skills and knowledge directly to my role. This hands-on approach has not only improved my technical abilities but also deepened my understanding of leadership and management principles.
The support and mentorship I've received throughout the programme has been invaluable. My peers have guided me through challenges and encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone. Overall, the apprenticeship has been a fantastic experience, shaping me into a more confident, capable, and forward-thinking professional.
Can you describe a moment when you felt particularly proud of your achievements during your apprenticeship?
One moment that stands out as a highlight during my apprenticeship was when I looked back at my portfolio of evidence. These submissions weren’t just a collection of documents; they’re a testament to my journey, showcasing the skills and knowledge I’ve gained. As I compile my work, I reflect on the challenges I’ve overcome, the projects I’ve successfully led, and the growth I’ve experienced both personally and professionally. Seeing my work laid out in my portfolio is incredibly rewarding.
How do you balance your apprenticeship responsibilities with your regular job duties?
Balancing my apprenticeship responsibilities with my regular job duties has been a journey of growth and self-discovery. I've learned that effective time management is vital. By prioritising tasks and setting clear goals, I've been able to allocate my time efficiently between my apprenticeship and my day job. Being flexible and staying organised has allowed me to adapt to changing demands and stay ahead of deadlines.
Has the apprenticeship programme at Capita helped you build a network of professional contacts and mentors?
Absolutely, this journey has connected me with a diverse group of individuals who have shared their insights, experiences, and guidance. These relationships have been invaluable, providing me with support, inspiration, and opportunities for collaboration.
What are your future career aspirations, and how has your apprenticeship prepared you to achieve them?
My future career aspiration is to join the senior leadership team at Capita. I feel like the apprenticeship programme has helped me develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence I need to achieve this goal. Through a mix of practical experience and academic learning, I've gained a deeper understanding of leadership and management principles, which are essential for senior roles.
