Line Manager of the Month - September
September Line Manager of the Month: Kerry Allen
Kerry Allen from MBDA, LSP Line Manager of the Month, recognised for supporting apprentice wellbeing, development and success.
Kerry Allen from MBDA is LSP’s September Line Manager of the Month, recognised for her outstanding commitment to apprentice wellbeing, development and success.
Congratulations to Kerry Allen from MBDA, our September Line Manager of the Month, following a fantastic nomination from LSP Tutor, David.
Our Line Manager of the Month award celebrates managers who make a meaningful difference to the apprenticeship experience through their leadership, encouragement and commitment to helping learners succeed. Kerry demonstrates these qualities through her work supporting seven Project Controls Technician apprentices at MBDA.
Putting Apprentice Wellbeing First
A key part of Kerry’s approach is getting to know the apprentices she supports as individuals. By understanding their circumstances and creating an environment where they feel comfortable speaking openly, Kerry can help identify challenges early and make sure the right support is available.
Highlighting the impact of this approach, David said:
“Kerry consistently puts the wellbeing of her learners first. She knows each apprentice well, understands their individual circumstances, and makes sure they feel supported, listened to, and able to succeed.”
David also praised the trusting relationships Kerry has developed with the apprentices:
“Kerry has built the kind of relationship where apprentices are comfortable being honest when things are difficult, which means issues are picked up early rather than left to grow.”
Balancing Support With Progress
Alongside her focus on wellbeing, Kerry takes an organised and proactive approach to apprentice development. She carefully monitors progress, follows up on agreed actions and provides learners with clear expectations.
David explained:
“Kerry is highly organised and keeps a close eye on every apprentice’s development. She tracks progress carefully, follows up on agreed actions, and holds learners to account in a fair and constructive way.”
This balance between encouragement and accountability helps apprentices remain focused on their goals while knowing they have support available when challenges arise.
As David added:
“This balance of support and expectation has been a massive help in keeping the apprentices moving forwards.”
Working Together to Support Apprentices
Strong communication between employers and training providers can play an important role in supporting apprentice progress. Kerry has developed a positive working relationship with David, enabling them to discuss progress, identify potential concerns and respond when additional support is required.
David said:
“Our regular conversations are always productive. Kerry comes prepared, communicates clearly, and is open about what is working and what isn’t.”
Her ability to adapt has also been particularly valuable when circumstances have changed or apprentices have required additional guidance.
“Her agility and willingness to adapt have made a real difference, especially when apprentices have needed extra guidance or when circumstances have changed unexpectedly.”
Leading With the Right Values
For David, Kerry’s impact goes beyond organisation and progress tracking. Her commitment to helping apprentices succeed and the values she brings to her role are a major part of why he nominated her for the award.
He said:
“What stands out most is Kerry’s character. She is ethical, caring, inspirational, passionate, and inclusive. She leads with integrity and genuinely wants the best for every learner.”
Her support has contributed to keeping the MBDA apprentices moving towards successful and timely completion.
Summing up his nomination, David said:
“Kerry consistently goes above and beyond, and she fully deserves recognition for the positive impact she has made.”
Kerry’s Response
After receiving the award, Kerry was keen to share the recognition with the apprentices she supports and highlight the partnership between MBDA and LSP.
Kerry said:
“I’m truly grateful to receive the recognition for Line Manager of the Month (September) and I would like to express credit to our Apprentices for their full commitment and dedication.”
She continued:
“It’s really rewarding to be part of their growth journey and a big thank you to LSP for their fantastic support, which underpins a great partnership.”
Congratulations, Kerry!
Kerry’s recognition highlights the difference that supportive, organised and committed line management can make to an apprentice’s experience.
By combining genuine care for learner wellbeing with clear expectations and regular communication, Kerry is helping apprentices remain engaged, build confidence and continue progressing towards their goals.
Congratulations, Kerry, and thank you for your continued commitment to supporting apprentices at MBDA!