In our final apprenticeship blog, we hear from Jessica Doody on how her apprenticeship is helping her career and personal development. She starts with an introduction into her academic course.

“I am currently completing the Chartered Manager (Degree) Apprenticeship Standard – Level 6 at Aston University, which I began in September 2025, alongside my role as Sales Manager at Elite Precast Concrete Ltd.

Although I’m still early in the apprenticeship, it has already played an important role in my development by allowing me to combine academic learning with real, hands-on management experience in my day-to-day role.

Studying at Aston University has helped me understand the theory behind effective leadership, communication, and decision-making, but more importantly it has encouraged me to reflect on myself. I have become more aware of my own strengths, areas for development, and the impact my actions and communication can have on others. Learning about leadership styles, teamwork, and organisational behaviour has given me the confidence to adapt my approach to different situations and people.

Jessica Doody

My role as Sales Manager at Elite Precast has been where this learning truly comes to life. Working in a fast-paced manufacturing and construction environment has pushed me to develop strong commercial awareness, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage priorities effectively. I work closely with customers, production and logistics which has strengthened my communication skills and helped me understand the wider business beyond sales. Being trusted with responsibility has played a huge role in building my confidence as a manager.

Elite precast has been incredibly supportive of my apprenticeship and my development, and I feel valued and encouraged to grow by both Owen Batham and Louise Chouhan-Hodges. The positive culture, strong teamwork, and hands-on approach make it a place where I feel motivated and proud to work. Combining my studies at Aston University with my role at Elite Precast has been challenging at times, but extremely rewarding, and it has reinforced my ambition to continue progressing as a confident, capable, and people-focused leader within the business.”