Taking on the Level 3 Digital Skills for Business qualification has made a real difference to how I approach my role as a Highway Maintenance Team Leader.
It’s broadened my understanding of how digital tools and systems can support the planning, management, and monitoring of maintenance work—making our operations smoother and more efficient. I now feel far more confident using technology to support decision-making, improve communication, and streamline workflows across the team.
I decided to enrol on the course because I could clearly see how the highway maintenance industry was becoming more digitised. Systems for asset tracking, job scheduling, and reporting are increasingly digital, and I knew I needed to upskill to stay ahead. I wanted to lead my team with more confidence in digital processes and take on more responsibility in planning and managing our projects.
What I enjoyed most was discovering how digital systems and business processes can complement each other to boost efficiency and productivity. One of the biggest positives was realising that the skills I was learning could be applied directly to my day-to-day work—things like improving how we report completed jobs or using digital platforms to update and communicate with the team. Seeing that real-world impact was incredibly motivating.
The most beneficial part of the apprenticeship for me has been getting to grips with digital communication tools and data management. These new skills have allowed me to monitor progress more accurately, communicate more effectively with other teams and supervisors, and organise daily tasks and reporting more efficiently. I’ve also gained a much clearer picture of how digital systems support broader business goals, which has helped me better align my team’s work with the overall direction of the company.
It’s also worth saying how much I appreciated the personal support throughout the course. Clare, my tutor, was a massive help—especially during a difficult period when I sadly lost my grandfather. She was incredibly understanding and caring. After taking time off, she helped me ease back into the coursework gradually, and before long we were back on track. That kind of support made a huge difference.
My workplace has also been fully behind me throughout the apprenticeship. My line manager, Nathan Thomas, has been especially supportive. I was always given the time I needed to complete assignments, and Nathan actively encouraged me to put my new skills into practice on the job. He showed a real interest in my progress, and his support made it so much easier to juggle the demands of work, study, and personal life.
Looking ahead, I plan to build on this qualification by taking on more leadership responsibilities. I’m also interested in progressing further with an HNC in Engineering. This course has helped me see a clearer pathway for my future and has given me the digital confidence and practical skills to take that next step in my career.
