“Participating in the CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 5 Diploma Course in Leadership and Management as an Apprentice was transformative for me because I developed a positive and inclusive mindset along with a strong commitment to professional and personal development for myself and my team; the skills and knowledge I learned (and continue to learn) through CMI have had a tremendous impact on the work my team and I do; I am more confident, self-aware, and conscious of others’ situations and perspectives; and I am much better at making informed decisions, planning, delivering, monitoring, and reporting on work than I was when I was an “accidental manager.”

The graduation ceremony in the beautiful setting of Exeter Cathedral at the end of the course was a stand out moment for me. This was a great way to celebrate the success of completing the course and recognise the hard work everyone present had put into learning.

It feels wonderful to have been honoured with the prestigious CMI ‘Outstanding Student of the Year’ award recognising the effort I made in learning and applying what I learned in my day to day work. I would like to thank my tutors for nominating me for the award. Being nominated in the first place was surprising and exciting. I feel motivated to continue working in such a way that others think so highly of.”

Ellie was named Outstanding Student of the Year after completing a combined CMI Diploma in Leadership and Management and Operations/Department Manager Apprenticeship (Level 5) at Exeter College.