How to Prepare for Life After University 💡
Meet Angel: How Apprenticeships Are Transforming Careers at Yugo
As part of our commitment to the Social Responsibility pillar of ESG, we’re proud to invest in meaningful development opportunities that help our people grow, thrive, and build long‑term careers.
Apprenticeships are a key part of this commitment: opening doors, building confidence, and equipping our teams with the skills they need for both today and the future.
We’re delighted to spotlight Angel, one of our Level 3 apprentices, who shares how the qualification has supported her journey, what she’s enjoyed most, and how the experience is shaping her career. Her story highlights the real impact that learning and development can have on individuals, our teams, and the wider Yugo community.
Angel joined Yugo in March 2023 as a Service & Sales Assistant at Goldsmith Court in Nottingham, a vibrant 378‑bed residence. Her dedication and drive quickly stood out, and she was soon promoted to Assistant Residence Manager, where she continues to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact.
1. Can you tell us about your journey at Yugo and how you became an ARM?
I fell into accommodation after leaving a role in executive recruitment. I started in several service assistant positions, which gave me a strong foundation in resident experience and operations. From there, I progressed into an Assistant Residence Manager role, where I began leading a team during a refurbishment project at Yugo Goldsmith. That experience really accelerated my development and gave me the confidence to take on more responsibility within the building.
2. Can you tell me more about the course itself? What first motivated you to pursue the apprenticeship?
I completed a Level 3 Team Leader or Supervisor Apprenticeship, which also led to an ILM Leadership and Management Diploma. The course covered areas like time management, people management, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement.
The Apprenticeship required that 20% of my contracted hours were dedicated to learning each week alongside my role, so balancing both commitments was a key part of the experience. A lot of the coursework was practical too, things like case studies, and applying real workplace examples.
I was motivated to pursue it because I’m always looking for opportunities to develop my skills, but more importantly, I wanted to become a better leader. Stepping into a people-focused role, where you’re supporting and developing others, made that a real priority for me.
3. Why do you think programmes like this are important for building a sustainable and responsible workplace?
Programmes like this are important because they encourage you to take ownership of your role within the wider team. You gain a better understanding of how different functions work together, which helps create a more collaborative and accountable environment.
That awareness contributes to a workplace that’s not only more sustainable and responsible but also more enjoyable, because people understand their impact and feel invested in shared outcomes.
4. How have the skills you learned helped you in your day-to-day role as an ARM?
I’ve taken a lot from the course, both technically and professionally. On the technical side, I’ve improved my use of internal systems and data platforms, which has allowed me to better analyse areas like waste, energy, and carbon output.
From an operational perspective, I’ve also implemented clearer standard operating procedures across tasks. This created a consistent benchmark for the team, ensuring high standards while still allowing individuals to bring their own approach to their roles.
Overall, the course really built my confidence, it reinforced my existing knowledge while also giving me the tools to lead effectively and manage the day-to-day running of a building.
5. Have you introduced any new ideas, initiatives, or ways of working because of what you learned?
One initiative I’m particularly proud of is Yugo Connect, which interlinks with our sustainability priorities. It focuses on building stronger links with local universities and community groups.
For example, at Goldsmith we partnered with Nottingham Trent University societies, including eco groups, to help raise funds for environmental projects both locally and internationally.
The apprenticeship also encouraged me to think more structurally about how we work, whether that’s through clearer processes, better collaboration, or creating opportunities for residents and staff to engage more meaningfully with the community.
6. How does developing your skills and career help you create a better experience for residents and the wider student community?
Developing my skills allows me to be more proactive and intentional in how we support residents. Whether it’s improving processes behind the scenes or creating more engaging opportunities, it all contributes to a better overall experience.
By being more confident in my role and decision-making, I can also better support my team, which directly impacts the level of service residents receive.
7. How do opportunities like apprenticeships contribute to supporting people and creating fair opportunities for career progression? Have you experienced this benefit?
Definitely. Apprenticeships create accessible opportunities for people to develop while working, which makes career progression more achievable.
At Yugo, collaboration and communication are real strengths. Through this apprenticeship, I’ve connected with teams and colleagues I wouldn’t normally interact with, which has broadened my perspective.
From a career standpoint, it’s helped me manage my role more effectively and even support other sites, such as a building in Lancaster, which has been a great development opportunity.
8. How has what you learned influenced the culture within your team or the way you support colleagues?
At Goldsmith, we already have a strong culture built around great people and diverse perspectives. What the apprenticeship has helped me understand is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership.
I’ve learned to adapt how I support different team members, recognising that everyone responds differently. At the same time, introducing clearer structures and shared standards has helped maintain consistency, while still allowing individuals to express themselves and contribute in their own way.
9. If you had to describe the impact of this opportunity in one sentence, what would it be?
It’s enabled me to support my team in ways I didn’t think possible, with a positive impact not just on my own development but on those around me as well.
10. Why do you think students rebook here?
I think it comes down to the atmosphere and the level of support from the team. Residents don’t just get accommodation; they get a full experience.
For example, we’ve had a resident who took part in a Yugo volunteering opportunity with a local non-profit and later secured a graduate role with them. That kind of impact shows that we’re not just providing a place to stay, but opportunities to grow, connect, and succeed.
See the community Angel nurtures!
Looking to stay in Nottingham?
Our student rooms at Goldsmith Court
💸 £350 Cashback!*
Standard Ensuite
from £149.00/week
💸 £350 Cashback!*
Classic En Suite
from £150.00/week
Jan '26 Lets 📅
💸 £350 Cashback!*
Premium En-suite
from £175.00/week
💸 Up to £350 Cashback!*
Classic Studio
from £180.00/week
Semester Lets 📅
1 Bed Flat
SOLD OUT
💸 £350 Cashback!*
Classic En Suite
from £150.00/week
Jan '26 Lets 📅
💸 Up to £350 Cashback!*
Classic Studio
from £180.00/week
Semester Lets 📅
💸 £350 Cashback!*
Classic En Suite
from £150.00/week
Jan '26 Lets 📅
💸 Up to £350 Cashback!*
Classic Studio
from £180.00/week
Semester Lets 📅
💸 £350 Cashback!*