Jude Roman, 29, never quite felt he fitted into traditional classroom learning. The experience left him feeling isolated and doubting his own potential, leading to years of false starts and low confidence. His career breakthrough came when he found an apprenticeship that helped him learn through experience, providing the solid foundation and self-belief he needed to thrive.

Learning beyond the classroom

Not everyone is a straight-A student. Jude, an administrator at Bristol Waste Company, vividly recalls the years he spent struggling within a traditional education system that didn't suit his learning style. The rigid structure of classrooms and exams left him caught in a cycle of frustration and unfulfilled potential.

“I was stuck in a pattern. I never seemed to be able to stick at anything. I kept dropping out of college and when I finally went to university I dropped out then too,” he recalls. “Looking back, I think it was because that academic way of studying just wasn’t right for me. Coming from a lower socio-economic background, and being part of the LGBTQ community, I felt quite isolated. Trying to find the right support and social network at that stage of my life was difficult.” 

How an apprenticeship changed everything

Jude’s lightbulb moment came when he saw an opportunity to complete a Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship with Bristol Waste, delivered through Smart Training and Recruitment Ltd.

“The CMI apprenticeship appealed to me because it was a different way of learning," he says. "It meant I could earn a salary while studying, and immediately put theory into practice.”

He strongly believes a one-size-fits-all approach to learning is fundamentally flawed. “For some people, including myself, learning through experience is far more effective than being in a classroom all the time and focusing only on academics. People absorb information and develop in different ways, and the traditional approach doesn't suit everyone.”

The fact that the apprenticeship was accredited and assessed by CMI added credibility and helped Jude develop his early management skills.

“First and foremost, it's got me a full-time job, which really can't be understated considering where I started. I'm now in an impactful role providing administrative support to Bristol Waste. It’s also given me a lot more confidence and a solid foundation to progress.”

This CMI apprenticeship helped me see my potential. It gave me the skills and knowledge to eventually move into a more managerial role, something I’d never previously thought possible.

Skills that help navigate change

What Jude learned on the programme helped him manage a challenging situation at work.

“About three months into my apprenticeship, the company underwent a restructure, which was very unnerving," he recalls. "Nothing can fully prepare you for that, but my tutor explained it using a CMI framework, which helped me understand why change is sometimes needed. I think I would have had a very emotional reaction otherwise. I wasn’t in danger of losing my job, and it was difficult to see others struggling, but I could understand why the business had to make those changes.”

A lesson in career confidence

Looking back at his early struggles with traditional academic study, Jude wishes he'd had more belief in himself.

“I’d go back and tell my younger self to have more faith in my abilities. If I’d had more confidence, I would have had a much smoother journey.”

Jude also recognises how those experiences shaped who he is today. “Those barriers made me a much more empathetic and open-minded person. I try to look below surface level and not jump to conclusions.”

The biggest change I'd like to see is organisations recognising that their workforce is made up of different types of people, all with different ways of learning, and offering them more support. That’s the best way to bring out the best in their employees.

For young people who feel like they don’t fit in, Jude's advice is simple: “Don’t get disheartened. You’re not alone and you’d be surprised at how many people feel the same way. Be open-minded and explore different routes to get to where you want to be. The right path is out there for you somewhere, I can’t overstate that enough, so keep looking and keep exploring.”