Manager Review

I am a Training Manager at Pearson, based in Manchester, with responsibility for designing, delivering, and continuously improving training and development solutions that support both customer success and organisational capability. In my role, I work closely with internal teams, external customers, and senior stakeholders to ensure learning is relevant, accessible, and aligned with Pearson’s strategic priorities.
A core focus of my role is leading a small, highly skilled training team responsible for developing and delivering training for Exams Officers and internal customer‑facing colleagues. This includes live online training events, structured briefing sessions, and supporting materials that help customers navigate key milestones across the academic year, such as exam series, results periods, and regulatory updates. I am accountable for planning training programmes at scale, managing capacity, and ensuring consistent, high‑quality learner experiences.
Since moving into this role following an organisational restructure, I have played a key part in evolving our training approach. This has included supporting a shift from primarily self‑paced content to more interactive, live online sessions, increasing engagement and real‑time support for customers. I oversee event planning, facilitation, and post‑event feedback analysis, using insight and data to inform continuous improvement and demonstrate training impact.
Alongside operational delivery, I place strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and collaboration. I work cross‑functionally with colleagues across Customer Services, Marketing, Product, and Communications to ensure training content is accurate, timely, and aligned with wider business messaging. I also regularly represent Pearson onsite and at internal events, acting as an ambassador for early careers, apprenticeships, and professional development initiatives.
As an AI Champion apprentice, I am actively involved in exploring how digital and AI‑enabled tools can improve training efficiency, planning, and sustainability. This includes developing smarter capacity planning approaches using Microsoft 365 tools, automating manual processes, and embedding responsible AI practices into day‑to‑day workflows. Data management, environmental impact, and ethical use of technology are key considerations in how I approach innovation within my role.
People leadership is central to my work. I provide coaching, support, and development opportunities for my team, creating a culture of trust, learning, and continuous improvement. I place high value on wellbeing, clear communication, and enabling colleagues to do their best work without unnecessary complexity or micromanagement.
Overall, my role combines strategic thinking, operational delivery, and people leadership, with a clear focus on customer impact, continuous learning, and supporting Pearson’s mission to help people make progress through learning.

The AI Champion apprenticeship programme is well structured overall, with a clear framework that combines formal learning, workshops, and applied project work. The curriculum is logically sequenced and aligned to the apprenticeship standard, which makes it clear what is expected at each stage and how learning should translate into workplace impact. Regular workshops, coaching sessions, and progress tracking provide a strong backbone to the programme and help maintain momentum across the cohort.
I have found the closed‑cohort model particularly effective. Learning alongside colleagues from across Pearson creates consistency, shared context, and opportunities for collaboration, which strengthens the overall experience. The use of a central learning platform and structured checkpoints supports both accountability and self‑management, helping apprentices understand how individual modules connect to the wider programme outcomes. Survey feedback shared during programme reviews also highlights strong curriculum progress and high retention, which reflects a generally solid structure.
That said, as with any complex programme, there are areas where organisation continues to evolve. At times, coordinating group work alongside operational roles has been challenging, particularly during busy business periods. Programme leads have openly acknowledged this and are actively reviewing workload balance, mentoring structures, and communication with training providers to improve clarity and consistency. I see this responsiveness as a positive sign of good programme governance rather than a weakness.
Overall, the programme is well organised, responsive, and improving over time. The structure provides enough guidance to feel supported while still allowing flexibility to tailor learning to individual roles and projects, which I have found both effective and motivating.

I receive a high level of support from my employer in relation to the AI Champion apprenticeship. Pearson has been fully supportive of my participation in the programme from the outset, with clear endorsement from leadership and structured engagement from the Early Careers and Talent team, who provides ongoing guidance and coordination. This support has been reinforced through formal manager briefings, shared resources, and consistent communication about expectations and progress.
From a practical perspective, I am supported with time and flexibility to complete off‑the‑job learning, attend workshops, and participate in programme‑related meetings. The apprenticeship is recognised as a legitimate and valuable development activity, rather than something to be completed “around the edges” of my role. Where workload pressures exist, there is an awareness of balancing operational priorities with apprenticeship commitments, which helps make the programme sustainable.
I also receive strong line‑manager and stakeholder support, with encouragement to apply learning directly to real business challenges. This has enabled me to work on meaningful, work‑based projects that add value to my team and the wider organisation, rather than treating the apprenticeship as a theoretical exercise. Senior leaders have shown interest in the outcomes of the programme and have supported visibility of apprenticeship work through internal forums and discussions.
In addition, Pearson provides access to the tools, systems, and learning infrastructure required to be successful on the programme. This includes collaboration platforms, AI tools, learning portals, and optional development opportunities that complement the core apprenticeship content, giving me further opportunities to build confidence and capability.
While the programme is demanding alongside a busy operational role, the overall level of employer support is strong and genuine. There is a clear commitment from Pearson to developing future‑focused skills, investing in apprentices, and creating an environment where learning can be applied in practice. This support has played a key role in enabling me to stay engaged, motivated, and on track with the apprenticeship.

I receive a high level of support from my training provider, Cambridge Spark, while working towards my AI Champion qualification. Support has been consistent throughout onboarding, delivery, and ongoing learning, with clear communication, accessible resources, and responsive guidance when questions or issues arise.
From the outset, the onboarding process was well supported, with detailed guidance, clear timelines, and regular check‑ins from the admissions team to ensure all requirements were completed correctly. When I encountered access or system issues, these were addressed promptly with practical solutions and follow‑up, which helped minimise disruption at the start of the programme.
During the apprenticeship itself, support is provided through a combination of structured workshops, learning materials, and dedicated coaching. The EDUKATE platform provides clear visibility of progress, milestones, and off‑the‑job requirements, while Learner Success Coaches offer constructive feedback on submissions and guidance on how to evidence learning effectively against Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs).
I have also found the additional optional workshops particularly valuable. Sessions led by AI mentors focusing on practical tools, such as Microsoft Copilot and workflow automation, provide timely, applied support that complements the core curriculum and helps translate learning into workplace impact. The availability of recordings ensures flexibility when live attendance is not possible.
Communication from the training provider is regular and clear, with reminders, follow‑ups, and guidance provided proactively. There is a clear understanding of the pressures apprentices may face when balancing learning alongside a full‑time role, and the provider demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness where appropriate.
Overall, the level of support from Cambridge Spark is strong, professional, and learner‑focused. I feel well supported academically, technically, and administratively, which has contributed positively to my confidence and progress throughout the programme.

I feel that my AI Champion qualification supports me to a great extent in performing better in my role. The learning is closely aligned to real workplace challenges and has helped me develop both the confidence and capability to apply AI and digital tools in a practical, value‑driven way.
The qualification has strengthened my ability to work more efficiently and strategically. By developing a clearer understanding of how AI can be used to streamline processes, analyse information, and reduce manual effort, I am able to approach operational challenges with a more solution‑focused mindset. This has directly influenced how I plan work, manage capacity within my team, and identify opportunities for improvement across training delivery and coordination.
It has also improved my decision‑making and problem‑solving. The emphasis on real‑world application has helped me think more analytically about workflows, data quality, and risk, enabling me to make more informed and confident decisions. Rather than relying solely on established processes, I now feel better equipped to challenge inefficiencies and propose informed, responsible alternatives.
The qualification has enhanced my communication and influencing skills, particularly when discussing AI or digital change with non‑technical stakeholders. I am now more confident in explaining concepts clearly, setting realistic expectations, and supporting colleagues to engage positively with new tools and approaches. This has been especially valuable in my role as a Training Manager, where clarity, reassurance, and trust are critical.
Importantly, the qualification has reinforced a strong focus on responsible and ethical AI use. This has helped me ensure that any application of AI aligns with organisational policies, data protection requirements, and sustainability considerations. As a result, I feel more confident advocating for innovation while maintaining appropriate governance and safeguards.
Overall, the qualification has had a direct and positive impact on my effectiveness at work. It has not only developed new technical and digital skills but has also strengthened core professional behaviours such as leadership, critical thinking, and continuous improvement. The learning feels relevant, practical, and embedded in my day‑to‑day responsibilities, making it genuinely valuable rather than theoretical.

Yes

I would recommend Pearson as an employer because it is an organisation that genuinely invests in its people and lives its purpose of helping people realise the life they imagine through learning. Working at Pearson, I feel part of a company with a clear sense of purpose, strong values, and a culture that prioritises growth, inclusion, and wellbeing.
One of the strongest reasons I would recommend Pearson is the commitment to learning and development. There are extensive opportunities for professional growth, from structured training and apprenticeships to internal learning pathways and communities of practice. Learning is encouraged at every stage of your career, and development is seen as something to be supported, not squeezed in around your role.
Pearson also places real emphasis on people and culture. Initiatives around inclusion, wellbeing, and recognition are embedded into everyday working life, not treated as tick‑box exercises. Programmes such as employee networks, professional communities, and recognition platforms help create a supportive and connected environment where people feel valued and heard.
Another reason I would recommend Pearson is the supportive leadership and flexibility. Managers are encouraged to have open conversations about workload, wellbeing, and development, which makes a significant difference when balancing operational priorities with personal growth. There is trust in colleagues to manage their work responsibly, and flexibility is genuinely supported where possible.
From a values perspective, Pearson is an organisation that takes its social impact seriously. The work directly contributes to education, skills development, and future employability on a global scale, which gives a real sense of meaning and pride in what we do.
Overall, I would recommend Pearson to a friend because it offers more than just a job. It provides a supportive, inclusive environment where people are encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute to work that genuinely matters.