Alumni Spotlight: Marcus Ozanne

For Marcus Ozanne, choosing an apprenticeship with LSP was about finding the right balance between theory and practice. After university, he wanted a route that would let him apply his academic knowledge in the real world - and build a career in project management.

Why an Apprenticeship?

Marcus explains his motivation for choosing the apprenticeship route:

“I was motivated to start my Level 4 apprenticeship at LSP after attending university because I wanted to take a more practical approach to learning and career development. While university gave me a strong academic foundation, I realized that gaining real-world experience in a professional setting would better prepare me for the career path I wanted to pursue.”

“The apprenticeship offered the perfect opportunity to apply what I had learned in a practical context, while continuing to develop new skills and gain industry-recognised qualifications. I was also drawn to the structured support and clear progression routes the apprenticeship provides, helping me to build both confidence and competence in the workplace.”

Skills and Knowledge Gained

Throughout his apprenticeship, Marcus developed both technical and transferable skills that shaped his career:

“During my apprenticeship, I gained a strong foundation in project management, which has been essential to my professional development. I learned how to plan, coordinate, and monitor projects effectively, using tools and methodologies such as Gantt charts, risk assessments, and stakeholder analysis.”

“I also developed key skills in time management, communication, and problem-solving—ensuring that I could keep projects on track and adapt to challenges as they arose. Understanding the full project lifecycle, from initiation to closure, gave me valuable insight into how successful projects are delivered in a real-world environment.”

“These experiences have not only improved my technical knowledge but also helped me grow in confidence when working as part of a team or taking the lead on tasks.”

Shaping a Career Path

The apprenticeship gave Marcus clarity and direction:

“My apprenticeship played a crucial role in shaping my career path by giving me real-world experience and a clear understanding of what it means to work in project management. It helped me bridge the gap between academic learning and professional application, allowing me to build confidence in my abilities while gaining industry-recognised qualifications.”

“Working on live projects gave me the chance to apply project management principles in practice, understand the dynamics of working within a team, and develop skills that are directly relevant to my future career. It also helped me identify the areas I’m most passionate about, guiding me toward the kind of roles I want to pursue long-term. Overall, the apprenticeship gave me both the direction and the foundation to build a successful career in project management.”

Achievements and Recognition

Since completing his apprenticeship, Marcus has contributed to ground-breaking work:

“Since completing my apprenticeship, my biggest achievement has been playing a key role in delivering a UK first for crew-to-uncrewed teaming, enabling communication and coordination between a manned aircraft and a drone. Being part of such an innovative and technically challenging project was a significant milestone in my career, and it showcased the real-world impact of the skills I developed during my apprenticeship.”

“This accomplishment not only demonstrated my ability to manage complex project elements but also positioned me at the forefront of cutting-edge advancements in aerospace and defence. Contributing to a pioneering achievement like this has been incredibly rewarding and has further motivated me to continue growing within the field of project management.”
“One of the most significant accomplishments was achieving the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), which demonstrates a high level of understanding and capability in project management and has further strengthened my professional credibility.”

A Defining Moment

Reflecting on his proudest success, Marcus shared:

“My involvement in delivering the UK’s first successful crew-to-uncrewed teaming from a manned aircraft to a drone was a standout moment. Not only within my organisation but also publicly, as the achievement was featured in national newspapers. Being part of such a ground-breaking project brought recognition from both peers and industry professionals, and it highlighted my ability to contribute meaningfully to high-profile, innovative work.”

“Seeing our work recognised in national newspapers made the experience even more memorable. It was a proud reminder of how far I’ve come since starting my apprenticeship. Being trusted to contribute to a project of that scale and importance showed me the real impact of my skills and has been a defining moment in my career so far.”

Gratitude and Advice

Marcus is clear about the value of support along the way:

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received throughout my apprenticeship journey. I’d like to sincerely thank my mentors, line managers, and tutors at Learning Skills Partnership who invested their time and knowledge to help me grow both professionally and personally. Their encouragement, feedback, and belief in my potential made a huge difference and gave me the confidence to take on new challenges.”

And his advice for future apprentices is simple:

“An apprenticeship with LSP offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience while working towards industry-recognised qualifications, all with the support of experienced mentors and tutors who genuinely care about your development. Be open to learning, ask questions, and take every opportunity to get involved in projects, even if they seem challenging.”

“The practical experience you gain will not only build your skills and confidence but also set you apart in your chosen field.”

Marcus’s story demonstrates how apprenticeships can bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, opening doors to exciting roles and innovative projects. From gaining confidence in project management to contributing to national firsts in aerospace and defence, his journey shows just how far apprenticeships can take you.