September Newsletter 2025

Our brand NEW training centre is now open!

We are excited to announce the launch of our brand-new media training centre in Derby, offering face-to-face, hands-on training sessions for new and current learners!

Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South, was on hand to cut the ribbon, ready to start this new chapter of our journey.

With its fully kitted out ‘Vibe’ podcasting and DJ studio; ‘Caezars’ live streaming and music production studio; and a new classroom, the centre caters for apprenticeships in podcasting, vlogging, video and music production, and DJ skills.

Harj Dhanjal, Managing Director, said the aim is to encourage employers to upskill staff in the audio-visual, marketing and media industries through the Government-backed Skills England programme.

He said: “We’re excited to be launching our brand-new media centre at the Derwent Business Centre. I really want to put the creativity back into employment and encourage businesses to upskill their in-house talent. You might have a skilled IT Engineer who really wants to expand into recording and podcasting, with our training programme you can apply to us to do just that.”

Tommy Edwards, who will be running our new Vibe Studio, is the first person to complete our Level 5 Audio Visual Technician Apprenticeship programme, after pivoting from a previous career in London in photography and videography.

Tommy, 39, said: “It was fun and interesting to be able to focus and specialise in this area and to see it grow into Vibe studio. Through Blue Lion I trained one day a week – and the rest of the time while undertaking an apprenticeship you are in your regular employment.

“What this media centre is, is a creative hub. It’s a platform for new and emerging DJs and other music and recording-based creative people. If you wanted to set this up by yourself at home you would need a lot of money. Here you can just come in with your idea and watch it grow.”

Introducing our new apprenticeship standards…

From Apprentice to Expert: Learner Testimonials

Listen to what some of our learners say about completing their apprenticeships this year:-

Thomas Edwards

Level 5 Audio- Visual Technician

Jack Brooks

Level 4 Public Relations & Communications

Kirk Moss

Level 3 Content Creator

New Employers who have joined the Blue Lion Training Academy!

Introducing new members to the Blue Lion Training Academy Team…

Gihan

Associate Tutor

Hi, my name is Gihan. I recently joined Blue Lion Academy, where I deliver Level 3 and 4 Improvement Apprenticeships as well as Level 4 Marketing. I bring over two decades of diverse experience across marketing, customer service, and process and continuous improvement. I have a CIM L7 post graduate diploma in marketing, a Lean Six Sigma Green belt, in addition, I’m a qualified leadership coach and mentor, with a particular focus on emotional intelligence. I’m passionate about working with individuals and supporting them on their journey of continuous improvement. My background blends technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills, enabling me to guide people through change, help them explore new approaches, and unlock improved performance. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and going for walks, especially when the weather cooperates.

Sam’s Great North Run

The Brain Tumour Charity

This September, our Continuous Improvement Tutor, Sam, returned to Tyneside to take part in the Great North Run- 11 years after he first crossed that finish line with his wonderful mum, Marie, cheering him on.

Sadly, she passed away in 2019 after battling a brain tumour, and this year he ran in her memory, raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity.

It was an emotional and meaningful experience for Sam, and he is incredibly grateful for the support he received from colleagues and friends.

Every donation helped make a difference in honouring her legacy and supporting vital research.

Sam completed the run in 1:45:43 beating his time from 11 years ago by 16 seconds, and has raised an amazing £305.

If would like to kindly donate, the link is still open, please click here.

Industry Context & Future Trends

The apprenticeship and skills landscape continues to evolve, and Blue Lion Training Academy is working hard to stay ahead. With the introduction of the 2025/26 DofE funding rules and the transition to Skills England, we have already embedded the reforms into our programmes.

The result? Fantastic feedback from learners and partners. Our new academic year cohorts are already benefiting from clearer expectations, more flexible off-the-job training, and stronger alignment between learning outcomes and industry needs.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Six Sigma

Now: Businesses are seeking staff who can reduce waste, streamline processes, and support digital transformation. Lean Six Sigma is increasingly tied to sustainability and cost savings.(ResearchGate)
Future: By 2030, 80% of large UK employers are expected to embed structured improvement methodologies. Apprenticeships will focus more on data literacy, automation, and green process improvement.

For Blue Lion Training Academy:
Our Continuous Improvement apprenticeships empower learners to deliver real, measurable workplace savings from their very first projects. By blending Lean Six Sigma with digital tools and data-driven decision-making, we prepare apprentices to drive transformation in organisations of every size.

Media & Marketing

Now: Digital-first campaigns dominate, with employers valuing apprentices skilled in AI tools, analytics, and creative platforms.
Future: By 2028, 70% of marketing roles will require advanced digital skills, particularly in AR/VR, personalised customer journeys, and AI-assisted creativity.

Confidence in our offering
The growth in digital apprenticeship uptake and high assessment success rates confirm that our apprenticeship model is well-positioned to fill the digital skills gap, offering accessible, high-quality, and dependable training aligned with employer needs.
Our strategic advantage
At Blue Lion, our focus on digital skills within Media & Marketing and Audio Visual routes aligns tightly with these national trends—positioning us as a go-to provider for digital-savvy talent ready for modern workplace demands.
Our Media & Marketing apprenticeships give learners the skills to thrive in this evolving space. With access to the Derwent Centre’s podcasting and media suites, apprentices can develop practical expertise in content creation, digital storytelling, and brand building—while staying ahead of AI-driven trends.

Audio Visual (AV)

Now: Growth in live events, hybrid conferences, and broadcasting is driving demand for AV expertise.
Future: The UK AV industry (worth £10.6bn, growing at 3.6% annually) is expanding into immersive technologies, interactive displays, and cloud-based production.
Context for Blue Lion: Our Level 5 Audio Visual Technician apprenticeship places learners at the cutting edge of this expansion. With the Derwent Centre’s new media facilities, apprentices train on industry-standard equipment, preparing them for careers in live events, broadcast, and creative technology.

WELFARE NEWS

As the summer fades and autumn starts to roll in, this is the perfect time to check in with ourselves and one another. The new season brings change, and with it a chance to refresh our routines, focus on wellbeing, and prepare for the months ahead.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Feeling the seasonal shift? You’re not alone. Darker mornings and cooler weather can sometimes negatively impact on mental health, bringing low energy or changes in mood.

What It Is: SAD is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, most commonly in autumn and winter when daylight hours are shorter. Symptoms may include low mood, fatigue, irritability, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating.

Ways to Manage SAD:

· Maximise Daylight Exposure: Spend time outdoors during daylight hours.

· Light Therapy: Using a lightbox can mimic sunlight and help regulate mood.

· Maintain a Routine: Regular sleep and meal schedules support wellbeing.

· Exercise: Regular movement boosts serotonin and energy levels.

· Professional Support: GPs, counsellors, or therapists can provide guidance or treatment.

Resources:

NHS – Seasonal Affective Disorder

Mind UK – SAD

Safeguarding Matters

· Our Safeguarding Team has expanded; Emma Sparrow and Pete Grantham are here for you. If you’re worried about your own wellbeing, or if something doesn’t feel right with a learner or colleague, please reach out. Remember: you’re never alone, and it’s always okay to ask for help

Tip of the Month

“Take five minutes every day to do something that makes you smile- whether that’s music, journaling, or a quick walk. Those little moments add up to brighter days.”

INVOLVE, IMPROVE & INSPIRE IN MANAGEMENT, MARKETING & MEDIA

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.

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