How Being an Apprentice Makes You a Better Coach

One of our biggest strengths as a training provider is our team of Development Coaches. They don’t just support learners through their apprenticeship journey, many of them have walked that path themselves. In this blog, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our Development Coaches, Daryl, who is currently completing an apprenticeship alongside his role at BMS Progress.

Being an apprentice himself, Daryl gains first-hand insight into the realities of balancing work, learning, assessments, and everyday life. That lived experience directly shapes how he coaches, supports, and challenges the learners he works with.

In this Q&A, Daryl shares why he decided to do an apprenticeship, what has surprised him most along the way, how he’s preparing for End Point Assessment, and how seeing the apprenticeship journey from the inside has made him a stronger, more empathetic coach.

Q - Why did you decide to do an Apprenticeship yourself, alongside working as a Development Coach?

A - I’ve done some coaching in my previous roles and really enjoyed it; I had a real passion for it. Then, when I stepped into this role, I knew that I needed to learn more about coaching and more about mentoring. I was approached by Rochelle (Head of Performance at BMS Progress) at the time, asking if I wanted to do an apprenticeship myself. I looked into it, looked at what I might take away from it and jumped at the chance! It’s a chance to develop my own set of skills.

Q - Before starting, what did you expect the apprenticeship to be like and what surprised you once you were on programme?

A - I don’t think I had any preconceptions of what the apprenticeship was going to be like because it was my first step into apprenticeships in real terms. I knew that there was going to be some level of work and some level of detail. And I think what surprised me most was actually the right amount of detail, and looking at that detail, and making sure that I demonstrate a really good account of my knowledge.

Q - How have you found balancing work, learning, and everyday life during your apprenticeship?

A - It’s a challenge, I’m not going to lie! I think when I first started the apprenticeship, I didn’t plan my time in as effectively as I should have done. It’s something that I hit home to all of my learners now; it’s all about planning the time in effectively. Yes, there was times where I had to squeeze in a little bit here and there, but the main challenge was making sure I organised the time and protected that time to deliver on my apprenticeship.

Q - What has been the most rewarding or confidence-boosting moment for you?

A - That’s easy. The most rewarding and confidence-boosting thing was absolutely getting my maths done. So, not only was I doing my apprenticeship, but I had to do my functional skills maths and English, which I’m pleased to say I smashed both out of the park. It is probably my most proudest achievement so far.

Q - Although functional skills are no longer a requirement to enrol onto an apprenticeship, what would you say to people who are still taking their English and maths qualifications?

A - For anyone who is looking to do their English and maths qualifications alongside their apprenticeship, I would say “do it”! There are some jobs which require you to have English and maths. Don’t be put off by the fact that you’re having to do extra study, it is so rewarding. The second that maths certificate came through, I just gave out an almighty “YES”, and I was super chuffed. I couldn’t have been any prouder of myself, and my family were super proud of me as well.

Q - You’re about to go into End Point Assessment, how are you feeling about it right now?

A - The same way that all my learners feel: nervous, excited. I think I’ve done enough, it’s just about demonstrating my level of knowledge now to the assessors. But I am quite excited for that one.

Q - How has being an apprentice yourself changed the way you support and coach apprentices at BMS Progress?

A - It has really changed my level of thinking. I understand the nature of balancing work, apprenticeship, and functional skills alongside that, as well as family life. I do appreciate that people are busy, and times are busy, it’s all about how we protect that time. And the way, I suppose, it has changed for me with my learners is that I always push them to make sure that they are booking time in for their apprenticeship. I think it’s so important to block time out or, however you do your time management, make sure there’s time aside for it.

Q - Is there anything you now do differently as a coach because you understand the apprenticeship journey from the inside?

A - Yes, and this is something that is a bit of a team mantra: I try to replicate, not duplicate. What do I mean by that? It’s replicating those good sessions to make sure we are delivering on that for every learner, not duplicating exactly the same thing. It’s about what’s working well, and how do we bring that into every session to make sure that it’s hitting home and getting the results.

Q - What do apprenticeships mean to you personally, beyond the qualification at the end?

A - Beyond the qualification at the end, it’s a great way to learn. I’ve found through doing my apprenticeship that I’ve picked up more and been able to focus more on the coaching aspects, the theoretical concepts, and the reflection concepts as well. Just in regard to how that helps, it’s given me a great deal of knowledge, depth, and understanding, and I’m able to support my learners better, and actually focus on their needs rather than what I think they need.

Q - What would you say to an apprentice who is approaching EPA and feeling nervous or unsure of themselves?

A - For anybody who is in the position, just go with it. Listen to your coach, listen to your mentor. They know you are ready for it, your managers know you are ready for it, so you need to know that you are ready for it. So, growth mindset, go forward and think about what you can do better.

Q - What would you say to someone who is considering doing an apprenticeship?

A - Run with doing the apprenticeship! It’s a great way to learn on the job, and it’s so rewarding at the end. Yes, there are going to be parts that you won’t find as fulfilling as others, but you’ll find that you’ll come across different topics which actually help you grow as a person. I think they are a great way to develop your skill set.

Daryl’s experience is a powerful reminder that apprenticeships are about so much more than a qualification at the end. They’re about confidence, capability, reflection, and real personal growth.

At BMS Progress, we believe that great coaching starts with understanding. When our coaches are learners too, it strengthens the support we provide and reinforces our commitment to high-quality, learner-focused development.

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, stories like Daryl’s show exactly why apprenticeships work - not just for individuals starting out, but for professionals at every stage of their career who want to keep learning, growing, and progressing.

Inspired by Daryl’s journey? If you’re thinking about starting an apprenticeship or exploring how apprenticeships could benefit your team, speak to the team at BMS Progress today. We’re here to support learners at every stage of their journey.

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