Lucy Bater, Mortage Advice Bureau: Championing of Learning & Development

Higher Apprentice of the Year recognises those studying a Level 4 programme or above. Juggling busy professional careers, adapting to changing working practices, and completing an apprenticeship is never easy, but our Higher Apprentice of the Year 2022 has excelled on programme while supporting her colleagues to develop themselves.

We’re delighted to announce that our Higher Apprentice of the Year for 2022 is Lucy Bater of the Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB). As a Senior Learning & Development Consultant, Lucy has excelled on programme and grown in confidence, enhancing the training her organisation is able to offer to their own staff.

Completing a Learning & Development Business Partner/Consultant Level 5 Programme is a significant undertaking, and Lucy, like many business professionals, struggled with the time commitment: ‘Being honest, having the time to do the apprenticeship alongside my job has been a struggle. However, as soon as I started seeing the change in myself, I realised how important it is to go through this journey, as I have grown so much.’

Lucy’s Tutor, Emma Jones, has witnessed her growing confidence throughout the programme: ‘Lucy has faced a number of challenges, including colleagues leaving, new management, and finally moving to MAB after being headhunted. What I have noticed is that her growth in confidence has improved the way she communicates with others, building relationships. She has also developed the ability to say “no” (she admits to always being a “yes” woman previously) and has made changes to improve longstanding policies and processes to drive the organisation forward.’

Her Manager, Marie Bedding, couldn’t agree more: ‘I’ve had the pleasure of leading Lucy throughout her apprenticeship programme, and the change I’ve seen in both her and the work she produces is a testament to her hard work, passion, and determination. I’ve been incredibly proud of the person she’s become and continues to grow into.’

Lucy has brought real-world benefits to MAB. Recently, she has worked to develop a new leadership programme for the organisation. This venture has involved creating and delivering a 12-month course to support 110 leaders across the business: ‘The ideas she’s pulled together around how to shape, motivate, and develop the entire leadership team are exciting and will make tangible improvements to our business. She does it all with a massive smile on her face and exudes an aura of openness and genuine care – everything you’d want in a trainer of Lucy’s calibre.’ — Marie Bedding.

Congratulations, Lucy! We couldn’t have found a more worthy winner!