This Aptem case study, shared from the perspective of two learners at Marston’s who train with Lifetime Training, illustrates how a more flexible, continuous approach to learning can build confidence, support progression, and make skills development feel achievable over the long term.
Matthew Cullis, Customer Service Level 3 Apprentice at Marston’s, and Alice Probert, Hospitality Supervisor Level 3 Apprentice at Marston’s explain how the combination of a supportive coach and supportive technology – Aptem, enabled them to achieve.
Starting from the learner’s reality
The learner experience highlighted in the case study reflects a common challenge: balancing learning with work, personal responsibilities, and existing commitments. For many learners, returning to structured learning can feel daunting, particularly if previous experiences of education were not positive.
Aptem addresses this by providing a learning environment that is accessible, supportive, and built around individual needs. From the outset, learners are able to engage with content in a way that fits around their lives, rather than having to adapt their lives around learning.
Matthew spoke to the logical nature of how everything was broken down module by module into bite-sized chunks and was easy to digest and follow. Off-the-job-training hours were very simple to log with reasons and notes.
Aptem basically organises my whole life <from an apprenticeship perspective>
Alice Probert, Learner, Marston’s.
Building confidence through personalised learning
A key theme from the learner perspective is the importance of personalisation. Aptem enables learning to be tailored based on starting point, confidence, and goals, helping learners progress at a pace that feels manageable.
“The Aptem platform is very user friendly” said Matthew. The dashboard in particular gives a good summary of how far ahead or behind a learner is, any off-the-job hours that need logging, what happens next etc.
Flexibility that supports sustained engagement
Flexibility is central to the learner experience. Aptem Lifetime allows learners to access learning resources online, revisit content when needed, and complete activities at times that suit them. This reduces pressure and makes learning feel more achievable, particularly for those juggling multiple responsibilities. Alice and Matthew spoke about the ability to log on to Aptem anytime, and if they got behind they could easily catch up, or they could plan for busy periods at work by learning ahead.
This flexibility also supports different learning styles. Learners can engage with a mix of self-directed content, structured activities, and guided support, creating a more balanced and supportive learning journey.
Clear progress and visible outcomes
Being able to see progress is another important factor highlighted in the case study. Aptem provides learners with a clear view of their journey, helping them understand where they are, what they’ve achieved, and what comes next.
This visibility helps learners stay focused and motivated, turning learning into a series of achievable steps rather than an overwhelming end goal. It also supports more meaningful conversations with tutors and mentors, centred on development rather than uncertainty.
Feeling supported throughout the journey
While flexibility and independence are important, the learner perspective also emphasises the value of ongoing support from their tutors.
Knowing that support is available, even when learning remotely, helps learners feel less isolated and more confident in continuing their journey. This balance between independence and support is key to sustaining engagement over time and talks to the importance of technology doing the admin heavy lift to allow tutors time to spend with learners.
A learner-centred approach to lifelong learning
From the learner’s perspective, Aptem offers more than just access to training. It provides a supportive, flexible environment where learning feels relevant, achievable, and connected to real goals.
By putting learners at the centre, Aptem supports the development of skills that last—helping individuals build confidence today and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.
Resources
Hawk
Lifetime and Marston’s Employer experience
