After years in operational management, Alex wanted to grow his confidence, develop new skills, and gain a formal qualification to support his career progression. Through the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship, he discovered new ways to lead strategically and inspire his teams.
🔍 At a Glance
👨💼 Name: Alex Harvey
🏢 Role: IP Voice and International Manager, Giacom
🎓 Programme: Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship
🎯 Motivation: To learn new skills and achieve a formal management qualification
Taking the Next Step in Leadership
With several years of management experience already under his belt, Alex wanted to formalise his skills and explore how his practical approach compared to modern management practices.
“I’d been in an operational management position for a number of years, but I’d never had the opportunity for any formal management training,” Alex explains. “I thought this was a great opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and to see how my leadership style compared with current management theories.”
His motivation was to develop as a leader, build confidence, and gain new insights into effective management.
Building a Career in Telecoms
Alex’s career in the telecoms industry spans more than 15 years, during which he’s worked across various operational roles before progressing into management.
“I’ve tried multiple roles under the operations umbrella,” he says. “That experience helped me understand how different functions connect and how strong leadership makes the biggest difference.”
Now, as IP Voice and International Manager at Giacom, Alex leads teams that deliver critical telephony services to customers across the UK and internationally - a role where his leadership skills truly shine.
Learning That Makes an Immediate Impact
For Alex, the apprenticeship wasn’t just about earning a qualification - it was about applying what he learned right away.
“I didn’t wait until I finished the course to use what I learned,” he says. “I immediately started applying new management techniques and models in my day-to-day role.”
The course helped Alex gain a deeper understanding of strategic management and people leadership, two areas he had previously approached from experience alone.
“It’s helped me understand the more nuanced areas of people management and how to get the best out of my teams,” he explains. “It’s also shown me how to balance the operational side of management with longer-term, strategic thinking.”
Collaboration and Connection
One of the highlights of the course for Alex was the opportunity to collaborate and learn alongside other managers.
“I really liked having the chance to connect with managers from other areas of the business,” he says. “It was great to share experiences, compare challenges, and learn from each other’s perspectives.”
Support That Makes a Difference
Alex credits much of his positive experience to his trainer.
“Charlotte was fantastic! Her relaxed and informal approach made the sessions really enjoyable,” he shares. “It was definitely not ‘death by PowerPoint’! She was also very receptive to feedback and took time to adjust sessions to make them more engaging and relevant. That really helped keep everyone motivated and on track.”
Ready for the Future
Reflecting on his journey, Alex feels that completing the apprenticeship has made him a stronger, more confident manager.
“If I hadn’t done the course, I wouldn’t be as well equipped to deal with all aspects of corporate management. The course really opened my eyes to strategic thinking and leadership concepts I hadn’t explored before.”
🚀 Ready to Take the Next Step?
Alex’s journey shows how apprenticeships can strengthen leadership skills, boost confidence, and empower managers to think strategically.
If you’re ready to explore how an apprenticeship could do the same for you, contact us today.