Name and job title: Sakina Fray, Learning & Development Facilitator
Apprenticeship: Level 5 Learning & Development Consultant Apprenticeship
Manager: Karen Greenhalgh, Learning & Development Team Manager
Employer: Gold Medal Travel
Developing a Career in Learning & Development
Sakina joined Gold Medal Travel with a strong foundation in delivering training but wanted to grow her expertise in course design, strategy, and Learning & Development theory. The Level 5 Learning & Development Consultant Apprenticeship allowed her to develop these skills while applying them directly in her role.
Her manager, Karen, recognised this early on:
“Sakina had a natural ability in delivery, but the apprenticeship helped her develop the theoretical knowledge to take her practice further.”
A Supportive and Flexible Learning Experience
Gold Medal Travel supported Sakina with a flexible schedule, allowing her to work from home one day a week to focus on her apprenticeship without workplace distractions.
Karen highlighted the importance of this flexibility:
“Once we set up a schedule that allowed her to focus on her studies, she could complete her off-the-job training efficiently and apply that learning throughout the rest of the week – high-quality work for the business.”
“The support I received from the team at Gold Medal Travel and Realise made a huge difference in helping me stay on track and get the most from the experience,” Sakina said.
Making an Impact in the Workplace
Throughout the apprenticeship, Sakina applied her learning to deliver tangible improvements across the business.
Key impact included:
✅Automating 60% of team administrative tasks, improving efficiency
Sakina’s growth extended beyond technical skills. Karen reflected on her growth:
“Sakina has become more willing to explore new ideas and approaches, which has strengthened the team’s profile within the business. The apprenticeship didn’t just upskill her- it had a tangible impact on our operations and visibility.”
Advice for Future Apprentices and Their Employers
Sakina encourages anyone considering the apprenticeship to embrace the opportunity:
“The knowledge, experience, and confidence you gain are incredibly valuable. The apprenticeship strengthens your skills and opens doors for career progression.”
Karen added:
“The return on investment exceeded our expectations. Applying learning boosted Sakina’s confidence and improved processes, efficiency, and the overall impact of our team.”
Looking Ahead
Completing the apprenticeship has prepared Sakina to contribute more strategically, deliver projects independently, and bring fresh, innovative ideas to the team.
“I feel ready to take on more responsibility and continue developing in my career,” Sakina said.
Karen concluded:
“Her growth has been remarkable, and the improvements she’s made continue to benefit the business.”
Conclusion
Sakina’s journey shows how an apprenticeship can accelerate individual growth while delivering measurable organisational improvements. By combining practical experience with structured learning, she has advanced her career and strengthened Gold Medal Travel’s Learning & Development function.
Explore how an apprenticeship could work for you or your team and start delivering real impact today.