Listen to what some of our learners say about completing their apprenticeships this year:-
Level 3 Improvement Technician
Level 3 Digital Marketer
Level 3 Business Administrator
Listen to what our employers have to say:
Marketing Assistant
Hey! I’m Lia Horvath, Marketing Assistant at Blue Lion Training Academy.
I completed the Level 3 Digital Marketer Apprenticeship when I was 18 and I’ve never looked back!
During my apprenticeship I learned about all things marketing, from coding, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), graphic design, email marketing, completing modules for online & offline marketing, google analytics, and so much more.
Before I began my apprenticeship, I didn’t really know anything about Marketing or what I was getting myself into, I just thought it looked fun and interesting, I was so right!
After successfully completing my apprenticeship, gaining hands on experience with a variety of businesses and clients, and putting the skills I learned to use, I was set on Marketing. It’s my passion!
I’m excited to bring my skills, expertise and creativity to the team at Blue Lion and I look forward to creating engaging and fun content that reflects the mission, vison and ethos.
Blue Lion Trainer & Coach (AV & Media)
Hello, I’m Dan and I have dedicated my career to the world of audio and visual technology, with over 20 years of experience in the AV sector and more than 30 years as a DJ and producer. From crafting seamless soundscapes to delivering high-quality AV solutions, my passion for audio has been the driving force behind everything I do.
Throughout my journey, I have not only honed my technical skills but also developed a deep appreciation for training and people development. I love sharing my knowledge, mentoring others, and helping individuals grow their expertise in the AV industry. Whether it’s teaching technical skills, improving sound design, or enhancing overall audio experiences, I find great satisfaction in guiding others to reach their full potential.
For me, sound is more than just a career—it’s a lifelong passion. I take pride in delivering high-quality audio experiences and ensuring that the next generation of AV professionals has the skills and confidence to succeed in this ever-evolving industry.
Blue Lion Trainer & Coach (inc. Compliance)
Hi, my name is Sam, and I train Level 3, 4, and 5 Improvement Apprenticeships at Blue Lion Training Academy. I have an academic background in chemistry, earning an MChem from Newcastle University and an Engineering doctorate (EngD) from the University of Nottingham. I’m also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, which has been a key part of my work in continuous improvement.
Over the course of my career, I’ve gained experience in Research & Development, Quality, Manufacturing (at Honeywell), and Internal Business Services improvement (at Maximus). These roles have given me a broad perspective and the skills to support businesses in driving efficiency and growth.
Outside of work I enjoy exploring the Yorkshire Dales with my wife and two young boys. In my free time, I enjoy following Premier League football, cooking, and watching films. Teaching and coaching continuous improvement is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m committed to helping others achieve their full potential.
Blue Lion Trainer & Coach (inc. Compliance)
Hi I’m Mark Godfrey-Vallance, I am a very experienced continuous improvement, digital manufacturing systems specialist with proven industrial expertise in strategy development and implementation.
I am a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt leading many hugely successful business-critical innovation and change projects for manufacturing and engineering sector majors such as Rolls Royce (RR), Unipart, Bae Systems and JLR, designing production lines for RR, Mercedies, Ford and Unipart. I have successfully delivered the East of England off-shore-wind energy, supply chain building project for UK government and the Fit 4 Nuclear supplier development and approval programme. I have also been a lecturer in Lean Engineering at De Montfort University and a part time Lean and Agile Lecturer at Loughborough University!
I love to learn new things and constantly strive to know more, to educate myself and understand new technologies. I am married with 3 teenage children. I left school to become a professional Drummer (Rock/Metal) and enjoyed a career in Music (still play). I’m a keen runner and love half marathons, and I enjoy 3D printing things for my house.
Nik is taking on the incredible challenge of running the London Marathon to raise vital funds for Guide Dogs UK, supporting those living with sight loss. Every day, 250 more people join the 2 million already affected by sight loss—a number set to double by 2050. This makes the work of Guide Dogs more crucial than ever, providing life-changing services such as guide and buddy dog partnerships, mobility training, education support, and sighted guides.
With your generosity, we can help children and adults live actively, independently, and with confidence. Every donation makes a difference—£125 could provide a new guide dog owner with a starter kit, equipping them with everything they need to begin their journey with their life-changing companion.
Join us in supporting Nik as he takes on this marathon challenge to transform lives!
Functional Skills
From 11th February 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) updated their funding guidance to confirm that apprentices aged 19 and over will no longer be required to pass Level 2 English and Maths functional skills.
Businesses employing adult apprentices will now have the power to decide whether a Maths & English qualification should be part of the prescribed course, following a rule change by the government.
Apprentices aged 16-18 will still have to complete an English and Maths functional skills qualification – equivalent to a GCSE – as a course requirement.
Information and guidance for Employers
https://support.bud.co.uk/hc/en-gb/categories/4409594776721-Employer
Line Manager Training (BUD)
If you are new to using our e-portfolio system, Bud, then why not utilise the Getting Started with Bud for Employers short course? This course is designed to help you navigate the system, so you can support your apprentices on their learning journey.
https://rise.articulate.com/share/AZjBitcO06x8JWhGR0bfTFa6SBQ4iWoa#/
Get an insight into how you can support your apprentice through their learning journey
Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic.
This year, the theme is Lead with Love, which aims to encourage everyone ‘to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion, and acceptance, no matter the challenges we face’.
During this important awareness campaign, we are encouraging everyone to normalise talking about stress and mental health, and to take time to identify the root cause(s) and address them not just during April, but throughout the year. This will help to address the stigma and therefore give people the confidence and reassurance that it is okay to start a conversation about it.
We know that stress at work can have a devastating impact on someone and that it can have life changing repercussions for them as well as their family, friends and colleagues.
Chris’s story – from Mates in Mind
WARNING This video may contain discussions or scenes which some viewers may find upsetting. . https://youtu.be/ZDg14zNIF-w
All employees deserve an open, safe, and supportive workplace. Mental Health First Aid England have shared some key workplace mental health and wellbeing statistics for 2024 highlighting the challenges employees face and the opportunities for organisations to take meaningful action in fostering positive mental health.
Workplace stress and burnout
If you’re stressed, whether by your job or something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause. The most crucial thing you can do when you are stressed or anxious is to make sure you are continuing to look after yourself. Make time to relax when you need to and learn to say no to requests that are too much for you.
What can you do to address Stress try these 10 stress busters – NHS.
Our safeguarding team tutors and staff at Blue Lion training academy are here to support all our learners and community please visit our safeguarding page to learn more about the support available to you Welfare/Safeguarding – Blue Lion Training Academy | Apprenticeships & Commercial Training Courses. You can also contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead geeta.dhanjal@bluelionta.com
Our mission is to Involve, Improve & Inspire adult learners to unlock their true potential in a way that benefits their organisation and helps bridge the gap between left and right brain thinking through learning pathways in Management, Marketing, and Media as an alternative to university & corporate training. Click the button to learn more.
Got an idea or topic you want mentioned? Email us at info@bluelionta.com and you may just see it in a future edition of the Newsletter….
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