Taking part in the Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship has been a valuable and transformative experience for me, both personally and professionally. Over the course of the programme, I’ve had the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be an effective leader in today’s dynamic and diverse workplace. It has not only helped me strengthen my leadership skills, but also significantly changed the way I view team dynamics, communication, and my own role in shaping an inclusive work environment. Of cause I went in without fully understanding what to expect and not fully prepared for the challenge of balancing work, study and homelife. I must say a big shout out to my coach Emma for not giving up on me your holistic coaching and support was valuable, second to none, thank you Emma for not giving up on me I could not have done it without you, thank you.
Initial feelings
When I first began the programme, I had some basic experience of leading a small team. However, I quickly realised that true leadership requires more than just delegating tasks or meeting deadlines. It involves understanding people, their motivations, their challenges, and the unique perspectives they bring to a team. One of the key areas the programme focused on, and one which made a lasting impact on me, was team culture diversity and inclusion in the workplace every team member has something valuable to contribute. Before the course, I thought I had a decent grasp on what inclusion meant. However, through the course content, discussions, and reflective exercises, I came to understand how important it is to actively promote inclusivity rather than simply assuming that treating everyone the same is enough. I learned that real inclusion means recognising and valuing the differences in people regardless of their background, age, culture, beliefs, or ways of working, but creating an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and supported. I’m now able to tailor my communication style to suit different audiences, without making assumptions or fostering division.
Another significant area of learning for me was around cultural awareness and unconscious bias. The course helped me to reflect on my own assumptions and how they could influence the way I lead and interact with others and that these can affect my decisions and relationships at work is crucial if I’m to become fair leader. I now make a conscious effort to question my reactions, involve others in decisions, and ensure everyone in the team has an equal opportunity to contribute and grow. The programme also helped me build confidence in core leadership practices such as giving constructive feedback, managing conflict, and setting clear expectations. Role-playing different scenarios in reflective practice and engaging in group discussions gave me practical experience and insight into how leadership theories play out in real-life situations. It also reminded me that leadership is not about always having the right answers — it’s about being approachable, adaptable, and willing to learn from your team. One of the most valuable outcomes of the programme is how much more confident and capable I feel as a leader. I’ve started applying many of the concepts I learned in my day-to-day work, such as holding more inclusive meetings, encouraging quieter team members to speak up, and being more intentional about recognising individual contributions. These small changes have already made a noticeable difference in team morale and productivity. I’ve received positive feedback from colleagues about feeling more engaged and valued, which reassures me that I’m moving in the right direction.
End Result
Personally, the course has also helped me grow in terms of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. I’ve become more mindful of how my own mood, tone, and body language can influence the team, and I try to model the kind of respectful, supportive behaviour I want to see in others. This shift has helped build trust within the team, and I’ve found that open communication and empathy go a long way in resolving conflicts or misunderstandings before they escalate. Looking back, I can confidently say that completing the Level 3 Team Leader programme has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional development. It has given me not only the tools to manage a diverse team effectively, but also a renewed sense of purpose as a leader. I now see leadership as a continuous journey — one where learning, reflection, and adaptability are key. If I had to summarise what I’ve learned, it would be this: being a good leader is not about control it’s about connection. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive, no matter their background, and where every voice matters. This mindset will continue to guide me as I take on new challenges and grow in my leadership journey.
Feedback from Performance Coach
‘I was recently asked to share why I believe Phoebe was chosen as Activate Learning’s Apprentice of the Month – and honestly, the answer is simple: she truly deserved it. Phoebe is an incredibly dedicated and hardworking individual. In her demanding role, she supports people in need every single day, always putting others first and helping them build better lives. And while doing all of that amazing work, she also managed to complete her Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor Apprenticeship.
It wasn’t always easy – there were definitely some ups and downs along the way – but Phoebe never gave up. She stayed focused on her goals and kept pushing forward. There was even a point where it looked like she might not be able to finish the course, but thanks to a change in government requirements, she bounced back with determination and absolutely stormed ahead. She achieved a fantastic result, and I hope she’s as proud of herself as I am of her. Her resilience, commitment, and passion are truly inspiring – and that’s exactly why she was recognised.’
Emma Watson – L3 Team Leader Performance Coach
