Senior Manager - Strategic Growth & Implementation (VQD2) Review
at Pearson
Degree Apprenticeship
Management Consulting
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Execute and implement plans derived from the VQ Growth Driver 2 (GD2) strategy, focusing on workforce learning. I develop and execute plans aimed at increasing market share, enhancing digital learning capabilities, and strengthening employer engagement across the VQ business.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I’ve really enjoyed stepping back and seeing the bigger picture—joining the dots across messy, complex problems. It’s been satisfying to find clarity in chaos, and I’ve loved how systems thinking gives me tools to challenge assumptions, reframe things, and design change that is impactful.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Through systems thinking, I’ve developed new holistic problem‑solving and mapping skills. I identify leverage points, anticipate unintended consequences to design resilient solutions. I’ve honed in on strategic foresight, cross‑disciplinary collaboration to design innovative iterative evaluation frameworks, navigating the leadership team through complexity to drive sustainable change.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The deadlines for the on-programme was a bit tight, and we have been left with 8 extra weeks which could have been better planned by my training provider. However, my employer has given me a lot of opportunity to plan for the EPA through real projects.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I’ve received outstanding support from my employer throughout this journey. They’ve given me the time, space and encouragement to engage deeply with systems thinking. Colleagues have shown real interest in my learning and I’ve been able to apply insights to live projects—turning theory into meaningful practice.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My practice tutor at the OU has been outstanding. She is always on hand to talk through a heavily distance-learning programme. I would not have reached Distinction level without her.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It's significantly enhanced my ability to perform in my role. It’s given me fresh perspectives, practical tools, and the confidence to tackle complex challenges. I’ve applied what I’ve learned directly to strategic projects, which led to a secondment—recognising the value I bring through systems thinking.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, I presented and networked at two major conferences this year - the AoC and ATC.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Pearson to a friend?
Yes
Why?
it’s a place where you’re encouraged to grow, be curious, and make a real impact. There’s genuine support for development, and the work feels meaningful. You’re trusted to lead, learn, and contribute to something bigger—while being part of a smart, collaborative team.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Pearson?
Have a passion for making a difference. Be self motivated, curious and willing to co-create.
