Apprenticeships at Any Age: Mark Cant’s Story
At MissionCX, we believe that learning never stops. That’s why we invest in Skills for Life—helping people develop, grow, and deliver impact in commissioning and business operations at every career stage.
Meet Mark Cant. Not your “typical” apprentice.
With years of industry experience, Mark took his leadership skills to the next level by completing a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship at Durham University Business School. This achievement earned him Chartered Fellow status (CMgr FCMI) from the Chartered Management Institute.
For Mark, this was more than just a qualification—it was about lifelong learning, driving business impact, and further equipping him with the skills to carry on mentoring the next generation.
His apprenticeship helped him:
–Refine strategic leadership skills
– Apply real-world business models in the workplace
–Deliver value across multiple industries
And now? He’s bringing that knowledge into MissionCX.
Q&A with Mark Cant – Apprenticeships, Career Growth & Lifelong Learning
Why did you choose to do a Level 7 apprenticeship instead of a traditional qualification?
💬 For me, the apprenticeship format offered the perfect balance of learning while applying knowledge in real time. It allowed me to integrate what I was studying directly into my work, making it far more valuable than a purely academic course.
What was the most unexpected benefit of doing an apprenticeship later in your career?
💬 I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did! The ability to collaborate with others from different industries, learn from a structured framework, and gain Chartered Fellow status all made it a really rewarding experience.
How has your apprenticeship impacted your role at MissionCX?
💬 It’s reinforced my leadership skills, helped me introduce new strategies into the business, and allowed me to become an advocate for apprenticeships. Now, I’m bringing apprenticeships into MissionCX to develop future talent!
Would you recommend apprenticeships for professionals at any career stage?
💬 Absolutely. Whether you’re early in your career or well-established, there’s always something new to learn. The best thing about apprenticeships is that they are adaptable, practical, and genuinely impactful.
What’s next for you?
💬 I’m focused on completing my MBA this year while helping grow MissionCX’s apprenticeship programme—so the apprentice has now become the apprenticeship provider!
Apprenticeships: More Than Just First Jobs
Too often, apprenticeships are seen as something for school leavers. But in reality, they are a powerful tool for career progression at any age.
Did you know?
🔹 36% of all apprentices are over 25
🔹 Higher and degree apprenticeships are rapidly growing
🔹 The UK is facing a 173,000 shortfall in engineers annually—apprenticeships help bridge this gap
At MissionCX, we champion Skills for Life—from rookie to retiree. Investing in apprenticeships means:
– Closing the skills gap
– Retaining and developing talent
– Bringing fresh perspectives into commissioning and our day-to-day business operations
Mark is now leading the charge on apprenticeships within MissionCX, proving that it’s never too late to learn and pass on knowledge to the next generation.
Join Us! Our Door is Open
At MissionCX, we’re always looking to share our expertise, support future talent, and connect with those interested in commissioning and business operation’s. Whether you’re a student, career changer, employer, or parent looking to support someone’s journey, we’d love to hear from you.
📌 Stay tuned for Part 2 on Thursday, where Mark will be at Lakes College, meeting the next generation of potential IT apprentices.
