Claire proves it's never too late to start a Degree Apprenticeship

Having worked in human resources for many years, Claire Vaughan began a Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship at Warburtons, the UK’s largest bakery company, to challenge her personal and professional development.

She said: “I haven’t studied for a number of years and felt it was the right time for me to continue with my own personal development. I specifically did not want to carry out a further qualification in HR but instead broaden my horizons by stretching myself, not just at a higher level but outside of my own function.”

The adult learner heard about this opportunity with the help of Paula Reynier, former UCLan Senior Lecturer and Degree Apprenticeship course leader. Claire approached her employer to discuss how the company could benefit from her apprenticeship and they agreed it would be a good idea and supported her all the way.

Claire, originally from Todmorden, negotiated with the University and her employer to work from home every Thursday.

She added: “It was a big commitment as the company needed to be confident that I would still fulfil my role to the required standards. To meet the needs of the university and Warburtons, this involved carrying out a lot of my job role in my own personal time but the ability to link work with learning made it easier to juggle priorities and more enjoyable at the same time.

"The ability to link work with learning made it easier to juggle priorities and more enjoyable at the same time."

During her apprenticeship, Claire led a project team to deliver guidance for managers on supporting employees with disabilities. Her project identified opportunities to support and develop leaders. Thanks to Claire and her team’s hard work, this programme of work is now being implemented.

Claire also conducted a full review of the company’s attendance management policy, interviewing and presenting to key stakeholders at all levels. Her extensive research has opened new opportunities by placing further focus on supporting employees with their mental and physical health.

“The Degree Apprenticeship has given me the confidence that even as a mature learner, which I am, I am still capable of achieving more. UCLan have been hugely supportive with my work demands offering flexibility when needed, with highly knowledgeable lecturers.

"I would recommend UCLan to anyone considering the Degree Apprenticeship, just give them a call or drop them a line, you’ve nothing to lose!”

Claire advises anyone considering a Degree Apprenticeship to understand the time commitments required on the course. She added: “Normal life does have to go on hold for a time but if you are motivated and a self-starter, you’ll immediately see the benefits that it will provide you and the company you work for.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from University of Central Lancashire

Latest news

1

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin