Learning at Work Week 2026 – Meet Adam Shepherdson

Learning at Work Week 2026 is all about the ‘Many Ways to Learn’. Recognising that personal and professional growth doesn’t just happen in a classroom.

Whether it is through learning by doing, coaching from a supportive tutor, or social learning with colleagues, there are so many paths to building new skills. We know that balancing a qualification with a busy job is a journey full of different experiences, so we asked some of our apprentices to share theirs. These stories highlight the various ways our learners have harnessed their own potential to grow, evolve, and succeed in their roles.

Recently we asked them to share their Apprenticeship journey, looking at the different ways they have picked up new skills and the impact this has had on their career so far.

Meet Adam Shepherdson, a Project Manager at SGX Graphics.

Question 1 – What made you decide to take on an Apprenticeship rather than another route into the role?
This Apprenticeship was offered to me by my organisation in order for me to progress towards my chosen career path.

Question 2 – What were you hoping to get out of the Apprenticeship when you started?
I was looking to gain the skills and attributes in order to be able to be qualified for a potential team leader role in the future.

Question 3 – Were there any nerves or doubts going in?
I was nervous initially about going back to an academic mindset so many years away from being in an educational environment, but upon starting the course and completing my first assessment, I eased into the process.

Question 4 – What is something you have learned through your Apprenticeship that you have actually used at work?
I have gained a better understanding of emotional intelligence and being able to offer empathy and perspective within my role.

Question 5 – Has there been a moment where something “clicked”?
Yes, it happened while being in a meeting with a senior leader who displayed behaviours that I did not agree with based on what I had learnt in my Team Leader Level 3 course.

Question 6 – How do you fit learning around your day job?
You have to make time for learning outside of your day-to-day job and ask for support from your current employer in order to have the adequate time needed to complete the course.

Question 7 – What is the most useful support you have had?
100% from my tutor, Gail Velasquez. Gail has been incredibly supportive throughout the duration of the course, particularly when I needed to spend some time away due to a personal matter. I couldn’t have asked more from her.

Question 8 – What can you do now that you could not do before you started?
I can now offer support and guidance to others in areas that I previously was not confident in.

Question 9 – Have you noticed a change in your confidence, your responsibilities, or how others see you at work?
I would say I have noticed other colleagues’ behaviours more and identified what I would do differently in certain situations following the training I have received.

Question 10 – In one sentence, what would you say the Apprenticeship has given you?
Confidence moving forward when handling challenging situations in order to obtain the best outcome.

Question 11 – What would you say to someone in your team or sector who is thinking about an Apprenticeship but has not taken the leap yet?
I would tell them to consider taking on the Apprenticeship in order to obtain the skills and understanding needed to become a Team Leader.

Adam Shepherdson
Project Manager at SGX Graphics