In a recent interview, Gus discusses how the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship delivered at Kingston College has significantly influenced his professional growth, enhanced his workplace effectiveness, and delivered measurable benefits to his employer:
“The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) has been a transformative experience that has not only shaped my career but also allowed me to deliver significant benefits to my employer. For employees like me, this Apprenticeship blends academic learning with practical application, creating a powerful foundation for professional development. Through this program, I earnt a Degree and Chartered Management status (CMgr MCMI) whilst working full-time, which resulted in achieving a Distinction in my End-Point Assessment (EPA) - an accomplishment that reflects the commitment and skills developed during this journey.
“From an employee’s perspective, the Apprenticeship provides opportunities to enhance skills, build confidence, and grow strategically. The structured learning and practical projects gave me a much more strategic mindset, enabling me to think critically and make decisions that align with broader organisational goals. Courses on financial management, leadership, and business strategy provided me with tools and techniques that I could immediately apply in my role. For example, when stepping into my current position, I used insights from my learning to analyse activity and financial data, identifying growth opportunities for the business. This work directly contributed to the strategy planning in our private patient services, helping to strengthen the financial sustainability of the hospital while enhancing the care we provide to our stakeholders. The CMDA also strengthened my leadership and communication skills. I’ve been able to lead initiatives with greater confidence, align cross-functional teams, and manage stakeholder relationships effectively. These are the essential skills in my current role, where I oversee business development across multiple sites.
“For employers, the benefits of investing in Apprenticeships like the CMDA are equally compelling. By supporting employees through structured learning programs, organisations gain a workforce that is both skilled and motivated to make a meaningful impact. The academic knowledge I gained through the CMDA directly translates into business success, allowing me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and implement solutions that drive measurable outcomes. At Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, my work has focused on identifying untapped opportunities in our private patient services, leveraging data to understand market trends, patient needs, and financial performance. This strategic approach, rooted in my learning from the Apprenticeship, has allowed me to optimise existing services and explore new growth avenues, benefiting the Trust and the patients we serve.
“Achieving a Distinction in my EPA is a proud moment in my career and represents the culmination of years of hard work, learning, and support from my employer, mentor and tutor. It highlights how Apprenticeships can serve as a platform for career progression while also delivering tangible, real-world benefits to any organisation.
“For anyone considering a similar path, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. The CMDA has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in my role and contribute meaningfully to my employer’s success.”
