Turning creativity and organisation into impactful projects: Phoebe’s apprenticeship journey

Phoebe’s journey into apprenticeships is a story of creativity, determination, and rapid professional growth. After graduating from stage school in 2022 and working professionally as a performer for two years, Phoebe moved to Leeds in early 2025 seeking a career path that combined creativity with organisation and offered financial stability. That search led her to a Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship with Luminate Education Group, alongside her role as a Projects and Events Assistant at Somerville House.

“I never saw myself doing an apprenticeship,” Phoebe reflects. “After working in administration alongside performing, I was looking for something that combined creativity and organisation, which led me to this apprenticeship.”

In her role, Phoebe creates and oversees events and projects on campus, helping learners develop skills alongside their curriculum work. Despite being one of the youngest in her cohort, she has embraced the challenge with energy and enthusiasm. “When I started the apprenticeship in October 2025, project management and apprenticeships were new concepts to me, and I was reluctant to speak during sessions for fear of being wrong. After only three months, I’ve found my feet and feel much more confident putting forward ideas to my assessors and classmates and taking every opportunity to learn.”

Phoebe’s contributions have already made a significant impact. She has managed events including a Macmillan bake sale raising over £150, a Culture Day celebration promoting diversity and inclusivity and the setup of a campus Museum of Inclusion showcasing learners’ work from Black History Month.

Her manager, Alisha Brown, says: “Phoebe is an outstanding member of the Events and Projects Team. Her attention to detail, creativity, and ability to juggle multiple projects are beyond anything I’ve seen before. She’s a pleasure to work with and always brings positive energy to the office. Phoebe is working at an extremely high level and has created a range of creative and practical ways to encourage our learners to engage in education, building positive relationships and inspiring them to reach their full potential.”

The apprenticeship has also been a key opportunity for Phoebe’s professional development. She has gained knowledge of project management principles, project lifecycles, and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and has developed critical thinking skills directly transferable to her career in events and projects. Shadowing different departments at Luminate Education Group has been a particular highlight, giving her a broader perspective on organisational operations.

Phoebe emphasises the support she has received throughout her apprenticeship: “Everyone I’ve come into contact with at Luminate has been supportive, especially my team at Somerville House. I have protected time each week for apprenticeship sessions and portfolio work, and my team are always on hand to answer questions or give advice.”

Looking ahead, Phoebe is confident her apprenticeship is paving the way for her long-term career in events and projects. Her experience leading Industry Week in December 2025, managing stakeholders and coordinating a week-long event, was a standout moment that affirmed her skills and ambition.

Her advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple: “Don’t ever rule it out and don’t feel like you are too old to start! At 25 years old, I am learning something new every day, and it is hands-on learning that is helping toward my new career goal.”

Reflecting on her journey so far, Phoebe sums it up perfectly: “As an apprentice, I feel supported in every aspect, I love the work I do, and every day is a new challenge and opportunity to learn.”

Phoebe’s journey demonstrates how apprenticeships can combine hands-on experience with personal growth, transforming creativity and organisation into tangible impact for learners and teams alike.