Allannah’s Path to Leadership Success with Connexin Academy and CMI Level 5

At Victory Leisure Homes, where creativity and innovation meet practical functionality, Allannah has risen through the ranks, playing a pivotal role in the company’s growth and vision. Starting her apprenticeship as a Senior Interior Designer, she has since progressed to Head of Design—a journey she credits in part to her CMI Level 5 Operational Manager apprenticeship with Connexin Academy.

This apprenticeship not only elevated her leadership and management skills but also shaped her ability to contribute strategically to the company’s growth. Let’s take a look at how this apprenticeship transformed her role and what lessons she’s learned along the way.

Transitioning from Design to Leadership

Allannah’s career at Victory Leisure Homes initially centred around design, where she focused on managing projects from concept to completion. However, the decision to pursue the CMI Level 5 apprenticeship came from her desire to move beyond just a design-centric role. The apprenticeship allowed her to expand her skill set, equipping her with leadership and project management abilities that have been invaluable in her current role.

"The apprenticeship helped me transition from focusing purely on design to becoming a strategic contributor. I can now leverage my design expertise in a way that aligns with Victory's growth and innovation goals," she explained.

One of the key motivations behind Allannah’s decision to pursue this path was the influence of a female colleague who was also part of the program. Inspired by the idea of developing stronger leadership capabilities as a woman in business, Allannah set out to challenge industry norms and build the confidence needed to navigate leadership roles.

Support from Connexin Academy

Throughout her apprenticeship, Allannah benefited greatly from the mentorship provided by Connexin Academy, particularly from her mentor, Lilia Dobson. "Lilia tailored resources to fit my role, which helped me gain a better understanding of how to apply what I was learning to real-world scenarios," Allannah recalls. “As everyone’s role within the business is different, her flexibility was brilliant."

This personalised support made the learning process not only more manageable but also directly relevant to Allannah’s work at Victory Leisure Homes.

Balancing Work and Study

Balancing the demands of a full-time role with the requirements of the apprenticeship wasn’t without its challenges. Time management and careful planning were essential to success. "At times it’s been challenging, but time management and planning have been key," says Allannah.

Her advice to future apprentices?

"Integrate the journalling into your everyday, record what you have learnt from a meeting, or a task etc to ensure you are logging your off the job hours."

How New Skills Are Making a Difference

The skills Allannah gained through the apprenticeship have had an immediate impact on her role at Victory Leisure Homes. Project management, in particular, has helped her streamline the design process, leading to greater productivity. "Project management skills have had an immediate impact on streamlining the design process," she says. “Gaining knowledge of different project scoping techniques and creating detailed timelines has allowed me to approach projects with greater organisation.”

In addition to project management, her leadership approach has also shifted. She now communicates Victory Leisure Homes' vision more effectively, fostering collaboration and growth within her team. "Delegating tasks has allowed me to work more collaboratively and mentor and develop my team," Allannah adds.

One of the most impactful moments during the apprenticeship came from a session focused on emotional intelligence. "The session on emotional intelligence was particularly impactful because it highlighted the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management in leadership," Allannah explains. "Lilia ran engaging group activities, which allowed us to roleplay and gain insights into the behaviours of others."

For Allannah, this session was a turning point in understanding how crucial emotional intelligence is in effective leadership, particularly when managing teams and collaborating with others.

Looking to the Future

As Allannah awaits the results of her CMI Level 5 apprenticeship, she’s already setting her sights on future career goals.

"My future career goals focus on advancing within Victory Leisure Homes," she says. “I’ve enhanced my position from Senior Interior Designer to Head of Design during the course, which has been a huge achievement. I plan to continue influencing and inspiring the strategic direction and innovation of the company, using the key skills and knowledge from the CMI course."

Proud Achievements and Future Aspirations

One of Allannah’s proudest achievements during the apprenticeship was her final project, which focused on expanding the company’s product offering.

"Working on my final project and expanding the mindset of the Victory product offering has opened up opportunities for the business that could contribute to future growth," she shares. "It’s been an exciting opportunity to be part of."

Looking forward, Allannah is eager to continue contributing to Victory Leisure Homes’ long-term strategy, with her newfound skills playing a key role in shaping the company’s future.

Advice for Aspiring Apprentices

For those considering the CMI Level 5 apprenticeship, Allannah offers strong encouragement. "Absolutely, I would recommend it," she says. "The programme offers valuable insights into management, leadership, and particularly project management. Investing in professional development is always going to be beneficial."

Her advice to anyone embarking on a similar journey?

"Commit to the learning but try to integrate it into your work so you can get the balance right. Seek support from your managers and mentors—don’t be afraid to ask for help."

Final Thoughts on the Connexin Academy Experience

Reflecting on her overall experience with Connexin Academy, Allannah couldn’t be more positive.

"My experience with Connexin Academy has been overall successful. Mentor Lilia Dobson has helped guide me throughout the course, even supporting with the more difficult assignments," she says. "The course has equipped me with the skills to excel in my role. I feel more confident contributing to high-level discussions within the company and believe the course has significantly impacted my professional growth for future progression opportunities."

We're thrilled to share an exciting update since this blog was first written—Allannah has been awarded a distinction for her outstanding work! Her dedication and passion have truly paid off, and we couldn't be prouder of her remarkable achievement. Congratulations, Allannah, on this well-deserved honor!

If you’re ready to elevate your leadership skills or want to empower your team through an apprenticeship, get in touch with us today to explore how we can support your growth!