‘We’re in our 30s and 40s, but that hasn’t stopped us from studying an apprenticeship!’
Posted on: 9th Sep 2025
Apprenticeships 
A survey of 4,000 UK workers has revealed 70 per cent of employees want to upskill as part of their professional development, according to Censuswide research.
It’s a statistic employers must be mindful of, particularly as the same survey found two thirds of those who wish to add to their skillsets would be willing to quit if their needs are not met.
For all organisations, there is a simple and cost-effective solution – apprenticeships.
Oxfordshire-based charity Active Oxfordshire operates to increase activity levels, challenge health inequalities and create happier, healthier, communities across the county. The charity is committed to staff development to help it achieve tangible outcomes and accelerate the development of colleagues.
Two Active Oxfordshire employees to begin an apprenticeship this year are Healthy Active Neighbourhoods Manager Ellie Clarke-Jacques and Safeguarding and Welfare Manager Heidi Yates.
For Ellie, 31, and Heidi, 43, this represents the first time they have combined full-time employment while studying an apprenticeship. We spoke to both of them to understand why beginning a vocational qualification in their 30s and 40s was the right thing to do.
Personal development
As Healthy Active Neighbourhoods Manager, Ellie is responsible for two key funding pots and manages a team of two.
Together, they help deliver active travel initiatives and prompt changes so people can lead a healthy and active lifestyle in their neighbourhoods.
Ellie joined Active Oxfordshire with a degree in events management. Keen to enhance her management skillsets, she enrolled onto Ignite Training’s Level 5 Operations Manager course.
The course lasts between 18 to 24 months, and teaches learners how to effectively manage people and build positive relationships.
“I’m a practical person, and need to directly relate what I’m learning with my job to get the most out of it,” said Ellie. “Personally, I find it incredibly helpful that modules and assignments are specific and can be applied to what I do professionally day to day.
“Our tutor Zoe (Monk, Leadership and Management Skills Coach) has been so helpful by checking in before each assignment and providing support which is tailored to us.
“That help has been invaluable to me.”
Flexible learning
Modern day apprenticeships require learners to dedicate a minimum of six hours to off-the-job training each week.
This can be classified as shadowing and mentoring, attending industry visits, working with mentors and applying new skills into the real world.
“Life is busy – just like anyone in their 30s,” said Ellie. “And going back to learning again can take up a lot of head space which you have to commit time towards.
“We’re fortunate that Active Oxfordshire understands we need time during our working week to complete tasks which has made the whole process manageable.”
Develop new and relevant skills
Heidi’s pathway to beginning an apprenticeship is slightly different.
She started the qualification with no line management experience with a view to plugging knowledge gaps to enhance her career prospects.
Like Ellie, Ignite’s Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship is the first Heidi has studied and her first experience of an apprenticeship has been positive.
She said: “That’s the beauty of studying an apprenticeship. There’s no age limit, you can choose a course which suits your interests and it fits around your existing role.
“This qualification will add something credible to my CV, and will carry a lot of weight in my personal development. Apprenticeships are there for employees to learn from and the support from my colleagues at Active Oxfordshire has been so important.”
Find out more!
If you’re an employer or represent an organisation and would like to learn more about how apprenticeships can enhance the skillsets of your existing team, simply drop us a message!
Our apprenticeship portfolio can be viewed in full by clicking here.
