From Uncertain Beginnings to Respected Leader – A Network Rail Success Story

In today’s rapidly evolving rail sector, the demand for skilled leaders and supervisors is greater than ever, yet not everyone initially sees themselves as a natural fit for these roles. This was the case for Lauren Rothery, Asset Engineer at Network Rail, who, despite her uncertainty about pursuing a leadership path, decided to enrol in the CIRO Level 3 Team Leader or Supervisor apprenticeship. Taking this leap of faith, Lauren embarked on a journey that would ultimately reshape her career and redefine her confidence in leadership.

Initial Hesitation and Challenge

Before joining the CIRO apprenticeship, Lauren was convinced that people management was not her calling. Her primary role at Network Rail involved technical and operational tasks, areas where she excelled. However, the prospect of managing a team or leading others felt daunting. “I was convinced that people management was not an avenue I was equipped for or particularly wished to explore in my future,” she reflects.

Lauren’s hesitation wasn’t unfounded. Leadership roles require a unique set of skills—effective communication, conflict resolution, team motivation, and strategic thinking, to name a few. These skills can be intimidating for someone who has not previously engaged in formal leadership training. But Lauren recognised that to progress within her organisation and make a more significant impact, she needed to step out of her comfort zone and develop these essential skills.

The Apprenticeship Experience

From the moment she began the CIRO Level 3 apprenticeship, Lauren was exposed to a wealth of knowledge and practical tools designed to develop effective leadership qualities. The curriculum covered a wide array of topics, including team dynamics, performance management, and decision-making processes. Lauren soon realised that the apprenticeship was not just about learning theories; it was about applying these theories in real-world situations.

“The knowledge and skills I gained throughout the apprenticeship gave me techniques and tools to manage situations I would have previously found daunting,” Lauren recalls. The training provided her with a structured approach to leadership, enabling her to handle challenges with newfound confidence. Whether it was mediating a conflict between team members or motivating a colleague, Lauren now had the tools to manage these situations effectively.

Transformation and Career Advancement

As Lauren progressed through the apprenticeship, something remarkable happened. The skills she acquired began to manifest in her day-to-day work at Network Rail. Her managers noticed her growing competence in handling complex team dynamics, and before long, Lauren was promoted to a line management position. “I was promoted during the course, a step that I would have previously never considered,” she notes with pride.

This promotion was a turning point for Lauren. It was not just a recognition of her hard work but also a testament to the practical value of the apprenticeship. The theories she had learned were not just abstract concepts; they were actionable strategies that she applied daily. “I now apply the theories and skills on a daily basis to ensure the high performance of my team and the wellbeing of its members,” Lauren says.

Support and Guidance

One of the key factors in Lauren’s success was the quality of teaching and support she received throughout the apprenticeship. The instructors at CIRO were not only knowledgeable but also experienced practitioners who brought real-world insights into the classroom. “The quality of the teaching was second to none; they spoke with a great depth of knowledge and confidence, imparting past experience that made academic models and theories much more relatable to the real world,” Lauren explains.

Moreover, the coaches at CIRO played a critical role in Lauren’s journey. They were always available to offer advice, provide clarification, or simply offer reassurance when the content seemed overwhelming. “The coaches are an excellent resource that I would encourage any future student to take advantage of; they are always available for advice and clarification or a shoulder to panic on when it feels like you’ve lost your way,” she advises.

Advice to Future Apprentices

Looking back, Lauren’s journey from a hesitant learner to a confident leader is nothing short of inspiring. She encourages others who may be hesitant about the course to take the plunge. “The best piece of advice I could give would be to go for it,” she says. For those who find the content daunting, she suggests working smarter by integrating new knowledge into existing tasks rather than creating extra work. “Your perseverance will definitely pay off,” she concludes.

Conclusion

Lauren’s experience with the CIRO Level 3 Team Leader or Supervisor apprenticeship is a powerful example of how structured training and support can transform not only an individual’s career but also their outlook on leadership. From a reluctant participant to a respected leader at Network Rail, Lauren’s journey underscores the profound impact of continuous learning and personal development.