From Doing to Leading: How Pam Turned L&D Experience Into Expertise

Discover how Pamela balanced communications, recruitment, and leadership responsibilities while gaining a formal qualification in Learning & Development and how it’s already transforming the way she works.

“Before the course, I was doing what I thought was right — now I have the knowledge and confidence to back up my decisions and lead with purpose.”

• 👤 Name: Pam Clifford
  🏢 Employer: Evolve
  🎓 Course: Level 5 Learning & Development Consultant Apprenticeship
  💼 Job Title: Communications & Engagement Officer 
  📚 Background: Progressed from a PA role into comms, recruitment, and L&D.
• 🎯 Goal: To formalise her skills with a recognised qualification
• ✅ Result: Now leading L&D projects with confidence and stronger stakeholder relationships.

Career Journey So Far

Pamela began her career in a call centre, where she successfully moved into a PA role supporting two senior managers - one of whom worked in Communications and Public Affairs. This role sparked her interest in the comms field.

After nearly two years of development, she secured a Communications Manager role and built a communications and engagement team from scratch, growing her leadership and strategic skills.

She then took on a standalone role in another industry, where she expanded into recruitment and broader people-focused projects. It was here that she first got involved in L&D, which inspired her to pursue the apprenticeship.

Current Role and Responsibilities

Today, Pamela holds a dual role as Communications & Engagement Officer at Evolve. Her responsibilities include:

• - Leading the Training Working Group, a key business workstream
• - Overseeing two direct reports
• - Driving internal engagement and communications
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• No two days are the same — and that’s exactly what she enjoys about the role.
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Why Pamela Chose the Apprenticeship

Pamela decided to enrol in the Level 5 Learning & Development Consultant Apprenticeship to formalise the knowledge she had built through hands-on experience.

“I was already involved in a number of L&D projects and had led several of them before starting the apprenticeship,” she explains. “Although I’d gained skills on the job, I wanted a recognised qualification to support my development and help me progress further in my career.”

Applying Apprenticeship Learning on the Job

Pamela is already seeing the courses impact in her day-to-day work.

“My stakeholder management has improved significantly, and I now approach projects in a more structured and strategic way,” she says. “Using project plans and trackers has not only made me more organised but also helped build stronger relationships across the business.”

She leads the Training Working Group with more confidence, applying evidence-based approaches and frameworks to her decision-making.

Favourite Aspects of the Programme

Pamela values the chance to connect with fellow apprentices and share insights and challenges.

“I enjoy learning new skills and discussing progress with others on the same journey,” she says. “The structured ways of working I’ve picked up have made a difference not only to my L&D work, but to how I approach all areas of my role.”

She also appreciates the personal support she receives:

“I really value my one-to-one sessions with my tutor. She’s been incredibly supportive, and that’s made a big difference to my learning experience.”