Via Redbridge manager celebrates prestigious apprenticeship Distinction

 

Hydah Nawab, Deputy Service Manager at Via Redbridge, has recently earned a distinction in her ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management course – an exceptional accomplishment, as this grade is rare. 

Hydah said: “I initially negotiated that I would be enrolled on a Level 5 at my offer stage for the role I’m in and was enrolled after I passed my probation. Throughout the apprenticeship I was provided with study leave and supported in my projects by my manager. Happy – a B Corp offering workplace consultancy and learning experiences, were extremely supportive throughout my course, and it was the first time that education has been enjoyable for me.” 

Helen O’Connor, Via Area Manager for Redbridge said: “Overcoming several personal challenges along the way, Hydah has worked extremely hard with a high level of focus on her apprenticeship, studying towards Maths and English exams alongside building an extensive portfolio of reflection and evidence of the knowledge, skills, and experience she has acquired throughout the programme. The timing of her End Point Assessment coincided perfectly with our launch of our wellbeing coaching programme, Re-new, which Hydah used as her final project. She was able to draw upon a wide range of learning from her course, as well as her own depth of experience and knowledge in the sector to get us ready to promote Re-new widely across the borough.” 

Sarah Edwards, Senior Facilitator and Apprenticeship Assessor at Happy, praised Hydah’s resilience and determination: “Hydah has been remarkable, and she’s overcome so much over the last couple of years. There were times that I thought it might be sensible for her to take a break from her learning, but her hard work and perseverance carried her through. Distinctions are hard to get, and they require something special from the candidate which Hydah clearly exhibited.” 

Nicole Martins, Apprenticeship Coordinator at Happy, emphasized the challenges apprentices face: “Apprentices must be adaptable, finding ways to meet the competing demands of their job, studies, and personal commitments. They must attend regular training, coaching, and progress review meetings. Apprentices must prioritise and set boundaries to effectively manage their time. Above all, apprentices must be brave and undergo a journey of self-discovery, to learn who they are as leaders, where they excel, and where they need further development. For those who complete Happy’s leadership apprenticeship programmes, they can expect huge rewards. The skills they learn from the programmes are valuable for life, including how to coach and empower their people. Distinctions are particularly hard to get, and they require something special from the candidate which Hydah clearly exhibited.” 

This achievement showcases the value of leadership apprenticeship programmes in developing future leaders.  

Apprenticeships offer an opportunity to build essential skills, face challenges head-on, and transform professionally and personally. 

Congratulations, Hydah! 

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