Sarah Thompson

What do you do in the business?
 
I’m Sarah, and I work as a Business Development Manager at CT Skills. My role involves partnering with companies to understand their goals around staff development, whether that’s upskilling their current workforce or supporting the recruitment and training of new employees.
 
What I enjoy most is seeing the impact our apprenticeships and short courses have both on individuals building their careers and on the businesses that benefit from a more confident, capable workforce. It’s rewarding to work in an environment where everyone is passionate about improving opportunities for people and being part of a team that’s driven by shared values makes the work feel meaningful and collaborative.

What’s your background?
 
I worked in customer services while studying A-Levels and completing my degree, which gave me a strong foundation in communication, problem solving and working with a wide range of people. After graduating, I moved into the technology recruitment sector, where I spent several years supporting clients and candidates across a variety of technical roles. This experience gave me a strong understanding of how teams are built, the skills companies look for and how the right training or opportunity can change someone’s career trajectory.
 
I enjoy seeing how people grow with the right support and how businesses benefit from investing in their teams. That naturally led me into my current role, where I can combine my interest in people, training and business growth. It’s motivating to see the difference the right role or qualification can make, both to an individual’s confidence and to the success of the organisation they join.

What’s the best piece of careers advice that you have given or received?
 
The best career advice I’d give is to keep challenging yourself and to do things outside of your comfort zone. You often don’t realise what you’re capable of until you give something new a go. Always find opportunities to keep learning and pick up new skills.
 
I’ve learned through being in the employment and training sector and seeing people progress in their careers, that saying yes to new experiences can open unexpected doors. Staying open to learning such as taking on a new task, asking questions, or trying a different approach, helps you grow without overthinking it.