Nicola Stannard from the People and Organisational Development Team.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) is marking National Apprenticeship Week by shining a light on the achievements of Nicola Stannard from the People and Organisational Development Team.
Originally from Peterlee, the mum-of-one is a People Business Partner who joined the Service in 2007 following a career in retail and managing funded apprenticeships.
Nicola knows first-hand the benefits apprenticeships can have as she looks to complete the CIPD Level 7 Senior People Professional Apprenticeship in May from Teesside University.
This will give her a master’s degree in Strategic Human Resource Management and Chartered Membership of CIPD.
The incredible achievement, funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, is something Nicola never imagined accomplishing when she started her fire service career almost 18 years ago.
“It is a massive personal achievement for me,” Nicola said.
“I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.
“But it’s only when you start the course that you realise how much you are learning and the benefits both personally and professionally.
“It helps you to gain confidence in what you are doing in your role and you learn how to deal with or approach different and potentially challenging situations.
“This all helps you to develop in your career, especially if you want to progress into middle management or higher roles.”
Nicola started the apprenticeship in January 2023 and admits it has taken up some of her own time but says it will be well worth it.
“It is not easy, but to get a master's degree in this way is a huge opportunity," she said.
“To do this would be extremely costly whereas doing it via the Apprenticeship Levy is a much better option.
“The Service has given me the minimal financial backing, time and support to do the qualification, which is amazing.
“I would encourage anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship to go for it, there are so many available at all levels."
