Higher Apprentice of the Year 2020: Lisa Gorman

Winner - Lisa Gorman, Damart

Lisa Gorman of Damart UK is a very worthy winner of the Intec Higher Apprentice of the Year Award in 2020.

Lisa who was the recipient of our Rising Star Award in 2019 achieved a Distinction Grade in her Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor Programme and is now enrolled on our Level 5 Operations/ Departmental Manager and is progressing well.

‘I can honestly say that this scheme has changed my life. It has given me the tools I need to have a successful career.’

‘I first enrolled on my Level 3 course when I was promoted from Customer Service Agent to Team Leader Developer. Undertaking an Apprenticeship programme really helped to support this transition.  I found the theories woven throughout the programme really interesting and applying the management & personal skills I have developed has been invaluable in my role as a Team Leader. Managing my own emotional intelligence is a fantastic life skill.’

‘The biggest challenge I have had to overcome is my lack of self-confidence; I never believed that I would be good enough to achieve success.’

Struggling with dyslexia, Lisa never thought it was possible to achieve her maths and English qualifications. She proved herself wrong, earning both Level 2 Functional Skills. It’s not just in work her confidence has grown; she credits the programme with helping her to build up the courage to take driving lessons (and pass her driving test. Well done Lisa!).

Her Manager Lucinda agrees: ‘The apprenticeship has seen Lisa's awareness of the business context increase, seeing things as a 'whole' rather than the department she works in and how it all fits together. She has spent time developing her skills which has led to a more proactive, confident and professional approach to leading her team.’

One thing that really stood out to us was Lisa’s attitude; she is determined and self- motivated and provides encouragement and support to others. Lisa was approached by the Damart UK People Team to become an Apprentice Champion. This has involved easing others anxieties about the workload involved in an apprenticeship and adjustments to their schedules. This has resulted in roughly 20 people registering their interest for the next intake.

Overall, the participation in the apprenticeship has allowed her to learn about management when working as a manager, thus providing a better understanding and to instantly apply the knowledge to everyday situations - making a fundamentally better manager.  

“I am very proud to be an apprentice.” - Lisa Gorman, Higher Apprentice of the Year 2020.

To find out more about our CMI Team Leading and Management Programmes, contact us today.

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