Well Training

Day in the Life – Blog Series #8
What happens when life gets busy and things don't quite go to plan?

For Matt Price, Head of Customer Relations at NANT and Senior Leader apprentice, it meant missing a training session on resilience...the very topic he felt he needed most.
But as Matt reflects in this month's blog, resilience isn't just something we learn in a classroom. It's something we practise every day through how we respond to pressure, adapt to challenges, and focus on what we can control.

Read Matt's reflections in the latest instalment of our Day in the Life blog series.

Why do people choose to invest in their development?
For many learners, it's about more than gaining a qualification. It's about building confidence, developing new skills, and preparing for future opportunities.

That's exactly why Ruben Jardim of Caffè Nero enrolled onto the Operations Manager Apprenticeship.

As Ruben explains, the programme has helped him better understand his own management style, identify areas for development, and make practical adjustments that are having a positive impact on both his team and the wider business.

One of the most valuable aspects of workplace learning is the opportunity to step back, reflect, and develop greater self-awareness. Small changes in how we lead, communicate, and support others can often make a big difference over time.

Thank you, Ruben, for sharing your experience and insights. We look forward to following your continued journey and progression at Caffè Nero.

World Wellbeing Week. A reminder that wellbeing isn't just something we talk about during awareness weeks, it's something we build into our daily habits, conversations, and workplace culture.

Your wellbeing can often be the first thing to slip down the priority list when workloads increase and diaries fill up.
But taking care of your wellbeing doesn't always require a major change. Sometimes taking a lunch break to get away from your desk for 10 minutes or checking in on a colleague or setting aside dedicated time for learning and development. The most important is making sure that you log off on time, especially those that WFH.

Your performance and wellbeing are linked; you will lead better and perform better when you feel supported, connected, and able to bring your best selves to work.

As we start the week, what's one small action you can take on today to make your week that little bit easier?

If you or someone you know needs support, remember help is available:
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• NHS Mental Health Helpline: 111 (select mental health option)
• Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258

This week marks Men's Health Week 2026, an annual campaign organised by the Men's Health Forum to raise awareness of the physical and mental health challenges facing men and encourage positive action. This year's theme focuses on men and pharmacy, exploring how men access health advice, support, and healthcare services, and how those relationships can be improved.

Men are often less likely to seek help, access preventative healthcare, or discuss health concerns early, despite experiencing significant physical and mental health challenges. Raising awareness is important, but taking action is even more important.
Whether it's booking that overdue health check, talking to someone about your mental wellbeing, asking for support, making time for exercise, or simply checking in with a colleague, small steps can make a big difference.

So this Men's Health Week, take one positive step.

As we bring our Learner Champion Awards to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible runners-up.
While we can’t highlight every outstanding learner, these individuals have truly impressed as all-rounders, showing consistent engagement with their training programmes, successfully balancing work, learning, and everyday life, and going the extra mile by sharing valuable experiences to support their cohort peers…the list goes on!

Congratulations to each and every one of you, your efforts have not gone unnoticed!
Follow us for more inspiring Champion success stories coming soon.

Congratulations to our third Learner Champion Award winner of the day, Eve Carter from Coffee #1, recognised for her Real-World Application.

Currently completing her Operations Manager apprenticeship, Eve was nominated by Senior Learning Coach Nicola Baxter, who highlighted the determination, positivity, and professionalism she brings to every aspect of her development journey.
Eve recently achieved Centre of Excellence Store status, a fantastic accomplishment that reflects her resilience and perseverance. After narrowly missing out by just one point during a previous review, she used the experience as motivation to improve, demonstrating the growth mindset that has become a hallmark of her approach.
From attending every session with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, to undertaking additional reading to deepen her knowledge, Eve consistently goes above and beyond. She actively contributes to discussions, leads activities during face-to-face workshops, and has developed a strong understanding of complex topics, recently delivering an impressive professional discussion on governance and legislation.
Nicola added: Eve applies her learning, her ability to translate knowledge into action within her role makes her a worthy recipient of our Real-World Application Award.

Congratulations, Eve, on this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations to our second Learner Champion Award winner of the day, Bryony Quinton-Wood from Caffè Nero, who has been recognised for her outstanding demonstration of Leadership & Collaboration.

Currently completing her Coaching Professional apprenticeship, Bryony was nominated by Senior Learning Coach Ben Wakefield, who highlighted the positive energy and commitment she brings to every session.
Bryony has embraced every opportunity to contribute to the group, taking the lead on Hot Topic discussions, supporting her peers, and consistently engaging with coaching activities and practical exercises. Her enthusiasm for learning and willingness to collaborate has helped create an encouraging and supportive learning environment for everyone involved.
Ben shared:
"Bryony has a very good approach to learning and creates a real sense of positivity in the coaching sessions."

Bryony is a fantastic example of how leadership isn't always about position or title but about contribution, collaboration, and helping others succeed.

Congratulations, Bryony, on this well-deserved recognition!

We have our own competition in the shape of our Learner Champion Awards, Q2 2026. Nominated by our Senior Learning Coaches and voted for by the entire WELL team, these awards recognise learners who consistently demonstrate commitment, professionalism, and a genuine passion for development.

Kicking-off with the first winner for Quarter 2 for the Most Engaged and Professional…Congratulations to Victoria Piper of SYR.

Nominated by Senior Learning Coach Nicola Baxter, Victoria stood out for her enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication to her learning journey. She consistently makes time for development activities, actively engages in sessions, and applies her learning in a meaningful way within the workplace.
One example highlighted in her nomination was Victoria's use of the Eisenhower Grid, which she has embraced and now uses regularly to prioritise and manage her workload. Alongside this, she takes the initiative to broaden her knowledge by reading around leadership and management topics and actively contributing thoughtful workplace examples during discussions. Victoria also makes full use of the learning platform, providing feedback after sessions and demonstrating a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.
Nicola shared:
"I look forward to Victoria's sessions as she brings enthusiasm and curiosity to the discussions and workplace examples."

A fantastic example of how engagement, commitment, and a willingness to learn can make a real difference. Thank you for being such a positive role model for lifelong learning.

Team WELL was out in full force for our quarterly face-to-face team meeting in Birmingham.
We are a fully remote team, so it was a rare opportunity to be "let out for the day" and spend time together away from Teams screens and inboxes!
The day was packed with discussion, reflection, and planning as we reviewed performance, finalised new training programmes (so exciting…watch this space for more!), discussed company growth plans, and aligned around our mission of unlocking potential, inspiring confidence, and creating opportunities for growth.

With the first England FIFA World Cup match tomorrow, it got us thinking about what makes successful teams perform at their best.
It's not just about individual talent. The strongest teams have a clear game plan, with team mates understanding their roles, communicating effectively, and everyone working towards a shared goal. Success comes when everyone is pulling in the same direction.
As we continue to develop new programmes, strengthen partnerships, and support learners and employers across the UK and beyond, days like these are a valuable reminder that our greatest strength is our people.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the discussions, shared ideas, challenged thinking, and helped shape the next stage of the WELL journey.
Now, who's in charge of the post-meeting orange slices and team talk?