Louiza Youlzari
Professional Growth Through a Level 5 Operational Management Apprenticeship
For Louiza Youlzari, Programme Manager at the South West Grid for Learning, the opportunity to undertake a Level 5 Operational Management Apprenticeship with Itec Skills and Employment came at a pivotal moment in her career. With a strong foundation in people and project management but no formal training to support her skills, Louiza saw this levy-subsidised apprenticeship as a valuable path for professional development.
Motivations for enrolling
Louiza’s decision to enrol in the apprenticeship was driven by a desire to grow professionally and solidify her existing experience with formal knowledge. Working in the charity sector where training opportunities can be limited, she recognised this programme as a rare and valuable chance to both learn and validate her leadership capabilities.
“I just wanted to have some professional development… I do line manage people and work at an operational level, but I’ve never had proper training. It just felt like a really good way to develop.”
Additionally, Louiza was surprised and pleased to discover that apprenticeships are not limited to school leavers, but are increasingly used for career development at all levels.
Experience on Programme
Louiza has found the learning experience with Itec highly rewarding, citing both personal and professional growth. Much of the content resonated with her prior experience, offering a sense of affirmation, while introducing new concepts that added depth and structure to her knowledge.
“A lot of the stuff I’m learning I already knew—but I didn’t know it formally. So it’s been a great consolidation of knowledge.”
The programme’s structure, delivered in a cohort model, provided peer interaction and exposure to a broad range of industries, from charities to commercial and public sectors. This diversity enhanced learning by showing how core management principles apply across different organisational contexts.
“It’s been really nice being part of a cohort. Seeing the same topics in different environments has been really enriching.”
Unique Value of Apprenticeships
For Louiza, the integrated nature of the apprenticeship in learning on the job with involvement from her line manager has proven particularly effective. Unlike commercial training courses, the apprenticeship model fosters immediate application of new skills within her existing role.
“It’s a great model. You learn during working hours, you apply it straight away, and your line manager is involved. That collaboration is really valuable.”
She also praised the accessibility of apprenticeships as an affordable, flexible alternative to traditional academic qualifications, particularly for full-time professionals.
“Apprenticeships are so much more valuable than people think. They’re not just for school leavers – they’re a great way to enhance your career while working.”
Impact on Career and Outlook
Since starting the apprenticeship, Louiza has gained new confidence in her management capabilities and begun implementing frameworks such as emotional intelligence and strategic planning tools like MoSCoW prioritisation in her day-to-day leadership.
“It’s made a difference in the way I line manage my team. Emotional intelligence was something I didn’t think had a place at work—and now it’s central to how I lead.”
Importantly, the qualification is also serving as a stepping stone for Louiza’s next career goal: transitioning from a departmental leadership role to a broader operational management position across the organisation.
“This apprenticeship is giving me the grounding and the credibility to take that next step in my career.”
Conclusion
Louiza Youlzari’s journey through the Level 5 Operational Management Apprenticeship exemplifies how targeted, government-backed training can unlock professional potential. Through the support of Itec Training Solutions and a workplace committed to growth, Louiza has not only deepened her existing skills but also expanded her leadership toolkit, setting her on a clear path toward broader operational responsibilities.
Her experience highlights the enduring value of apprenticeships in today’s workforce: practical, collaborative, and empowering.
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