At Kersia UK, we believe that strong leadership is the foundation of a thriving team. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate the achievements of Kyle Macdonald and Damian Durrant, who have recently undertaken the ILM Level 3 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management.
Both Kyle and Damian have found the apprenticeship to be an invaluable experience, helping them develop essential management skills and put leadership theory into practice.
For Kyle, the journey has been both rewarding and challenging, particularly when balancing his studies with his responsibilities as Yard Manager. However, with the support of his team and line manager, he successfully navigated the process and now feels more confident in his role. He also appreciates Kersia’s investment in his growth, recognizing that his development is just as important to the company as the contributions he brings back.
Damian Durrant: Reflection
If someone had told me a year ago that I’d be taking (and passing!) an apprenticeship, I might have laughed. After all, with years of leadership experience behind me, what more was there to learn? As it turns out – quite a lot.
In September 2023, I signed up for the ILM3 Leadership & Management apprenticeship, unsure of what to expect. It didn’t take long before I was faced with my first challenge: completing Level 2 Maths and English – a requirement for the course. Having never considered myself a natural academic, I wasn’t convinced I’d pass. But in April 2024, I did – and then followed it up with English the next month. Two unexpected wins that set the tone for the rest of my journey.
The biggest lesson, however, wasn’t about equations or grammar – it was about self-belief. I went into this course thinking I already knew everything I needed to know about leadership. But the reality was different. I discovered new theories, strategies, and approaches that I could immediately apply to my role. More importantly, I gained fresh insight into myself as a leader. The feedback I received along the way helped me develop not just my skills but also my confidence.
The final hurdle was the end-point assessment, a rigorous process including a presentation, Q&A session, and a professional discussion with an assessor. It was nerve-wracking – but I’m proud to say I passed with distinction!
This experience has been an eye-opener in many ways. It has reinforced that learning never stops, no matter how much experience you have. It has shown me the value of structured development and feedback. And most of all, it has reminded me that sometimes, others believe in us more than we believe in ourselves.
For anyone considering an apprenticeship – at any stage in life – my advice is simple: go for it. You might just surprise yourself.
