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 Lancashire

Latest news

1

Post Office future secured as council explores new options Abington Street Post Office

Post Office future secured as council explores new options

17 Sep 2025

2

Airframe Designs supports new defence strategy with pledge to nurture talent Jerrod Hartley

Airframe Designs supports new defence strategy with pledge to nurture talent

17 Sep 2025

3

Fox Group makes second acquisition since Stellex Capital backing Roger Thistlethwaite, managing director NMS Civil Engineering Limited. Paul Fox, CEO Fox Group. John Flood, Executive Director Fox Group

Fox Group makes second acquisition since Stellex Capital backing

17 Sep 2025

4

Villa at Wrea Green bought for £3.6m by Haythornthwaite family The Villa Wrea Green courtesy of The Villa Wrea Green

Villa at Wrea Green bought for £3.6m by Haythornthwaite family

16 Sep 2025

5

Fourth Lancashire Bodycare store to shut Nick Holloway of administrators Interpath

Fourth Lancashire Bodycare store to shut

16 Sep 2025

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
LBV124 September/October Launch Event
MBP Arc Cinema Preston Opening 205
Networking
18 Sep 2025

LBV124 September/October Launch Event

The Arc Cinema, Preston, PR1 2BL

08:30 - 10:30

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

Ladies Lunch
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
18 Sep 2025 - 18 Sep 2025

Ladies Lunch

Lancaster Golf Club, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ

12:00 - 16:00

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation
Chorley Council breakfast event new
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Your Business, Your Region: Making sense of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Worden Hall, Leyland, PR25 3DH

08:00 - 11:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September
Sept Freelancer (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: September

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Speed Networking with BNI
2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
24 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Speed Networking with BNI

Chorley Football Club, Chorley, PR7 3DU

16:00 - 19:00

The Marketing Metrics That Matter – Sept 25
Metris 25.09.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

The Marketing Metrics That Matter – Sept 25

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September
TMM Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

The Marketing Meetup IRL: Lancashire - September

Chorley, PR7 2SL

18:00 - 20:00

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) drop-in day
MTD drop in session.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
25 Sep 2025 - 25 Sep 2025

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) drop-in day

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) drop-in day, Blackburn, BB1 5QB

10:00 - 16:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

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 LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin