Learning at Work Week 2026 – Meet David Parry

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 David Parry, a Repairs Team Leader at Riverside Housing Association.

Question 1 – What made you decide to take on an Apprenticeship rather than another route into the role?
I took this opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge and enhance my leadership while learning on the job.

Question 2 – What were you hoping to get out of the Apprenticeship when you started?
I was hoping to gain more leadership skills, a recognised qualification, build confidence, and improve communication with stakeholders.

Question 3 – Were there any nerves or doubts going in?
I had doubts that I may not enjoy the Apprenticeship or that it might be too much to do alongside my role. However, it has had a really positive impact on both myself and my team, and my manager has supported me by giving me the time needed to research and complete my tasks.

Question 4 – What is something you have learned through your Apprenticeship that you have actually used at work?
Communication with stakeholders. I have applied new methods to ensure our customers receive great service, and I’ve even received praise from other parts of the business for my team’s enhanced internal collaboration.

Question 5 – Has there been a moment where something “clicked”?
Yes! Realising that leadership isn’t about just doing everything yourself, but utilising my team’s skills and knowledge to achieve results.

Question 6 – How do you fit learning around your day job?
Effective time management. I balance my workload by diarising time each week for coursework and breaking larger tasks down into smaller sections so I don’t feel overwhelmed.

Question 7 – What is the most useful support you have had?
Support from my line manager has been key, as we discuss what I’ve learned after each assessment. My tutor, Caroline Kelly, has also been great and is always on hand to help whenever I am unsure about a task.

Question 8 – What can you do now that you could not do before you started?
I have built the confidence to manage my team effectively and delegate tasks. Providing support and motivating my team has given them the confidence to know they are trusted.

Question 9 – Have you noticed a change in your confidence, your responsibilities, or how others see you at work?
In my recent end-of-year appraisal, I received outstanding feedback. This performance has led to me being approached by other managers for new opportunities within the business.

Question 10 – In one sentence, what would you say the Apprenticeship has given you?
The Apprenticeship has given me confidence to motivate my team, widened my skills, and abled me to take on more responsibilities in the organisation.

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 definitely encourage them to take the leap to build their confidence and gain experience; I’d promote the Smart Skills Apprenticeship by sharing the positive impact it has had on my own journey.

David Parry
Repairs Team Leader at Riverside Housing Association