An Exeter College adult learner is celebrating as it was recently announced that she won an international award. Molly Wysocki-Jones was one of thousands of people entered for the CIPD (Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development) People Management Awards. 

The CIPD People Management Awards are the benchmark of excellence in Human Resources (HR), Leadership and Development (L&D) and Organisation Development (OD). Speaking about the awards, CIPD commented; 

“Every year we see exceptional entries that reflect the influence and impact that the people profession has on organisations. By entering these Awards, you can showcase your best work and get the recognition you and your team deserve.” 

Molly Wysocki-Jones won the award for Outstanding HR or L&D Apprentice and another Exeter College student, Laura Maker, was shortlisted in the Outstanding Student category. 

Viki Howden, Lecturer for the Professional Adult Learning Faculty at Exeter College, said; 

“To ensure that we are providing the best opportunities for our learners, we decided to enter them to the CIPD People Management Awards 2023. As a result, these learners had the opportunity to be tested by an expert panel and have the international exposure to recognise their hard work. We are incredibly proud of these learners’ and delighted with these results.” 

Molly Wysocki-Jones studied the Level 5 Learning and Development Consultancy/Business Partner Apprenticeship and now works for NHS Resolution. 

“I didn’t realise that there were those learning opportunities once I was in work. It was quite exciting to see that was something that I could do. It was a really good way for me to learn on the job and have that experience whilst working. Having the option to learn with people from other organisations was a big draw for me too.” 

Speaking about the award, Molly said; 

“Apprenticeships are an incredible opportunity to develop such a range of skills, and after two years of hard work I was very proud to even reach the shortlist for the CIPD awards. CIPD are the benchmarking organisation for excellence within HR, L&D and OD and to be recognised amongst such leaders in my field was overwhelming yet very exciting! There was some imposter syndrome at play as I was hearing the stories of other award winners and their work, it doesn’t quite feel real that my commitment to my apprenticeship was recognised to this extent, but I am so grateful to have been a part of this year’s annual awards. 

Talking about how the award will impact her career in the future, Molly added; 

“Throughout my apprenticeship I felt my confidence grow both personally and professionally – it gave me the power to believe that I have the expertise and skills to deliver in my day-to-day role. It feels too easy sometimes to put ourselves down or to not accept compliments, but this experience has taught me to celebrate the wins, recognise the work that we all put into our careers and believe in ourselves that we’re worthy of the celebration.  

“With the CIPD award to my name, I hope to continue to champion the expertise that the course gave me, and I know that there are such a wide range of opportunities ahead of me as I grow my career in organisational development. 

Molly’s advice to those thinking about doing an apprenticeship is that it is never too late to consider a qualification and that you will benefit from the hard work for years to come. 

“A large part of my role at NHS Resolution revolves around the management and support of apprentices within our own organisation. Having lived and breathed the qualification for two years, I love having the chance to support others as they consider a course, study for the qualification and complete their training. Seeing the process through from beginning to end allows me to witness the growth of colleagues across the organisation and working in a role that revolves around people, this is a real privilege to me.  

“As I always say to those considering beginning an apprenticeship, they are open to everyone, of all ages and stages in their career – it’s never too late.” 

Speak to the Adult Advice Team to find out more about apprenticeship opportunities or visit us at our next Open Event.