From early intervention to leadership

From coordinating family support to stepping up into social work, Emma Nichols proves how Derby apprenticeships can unlock potential, inspire confidence, and shape future leaders.

Growth through challenge, leadership and balance

Emma is an Early Intervention Coordinator at Derby City Council and plays a vital role in supporting families and children within the Early Help team in People’s Services. Working alongside social care colleagues, she manages family visitors, provides case management oversight and attends vulnerable children’s meetings to ensure appropriate safeguarding support. She also helps coordinate the Family Hub offer ensuring families across the city can access the help they need early on.

Emma began her apprenticeship with the University of Derby while in this role, motivated by a strong desire to grow both personally and professionally.

“I have always been keen on my own personal development, and this felt like a great step to gain a more strategic view and develop in my career. It helped shape me as a leader and manager and gave me a new passion for further development.”

Through her apprenticeship, Emma gained deeper insight into leadership, decision-making, and strategic processes within her organisation. While balancing work, studies, and life as a mother of two young girls was challenging, it also strengthened her resilience.

“It’s great to be a role model for them, but it also reminded me to maintain balance and boundaries; something I now apply in my professional life too.”

Finding confidence through mentorship and reflection

Emma’s apprenticeship journey was transformative, helping her step confidently into management and develop her leadership style. She particularly valued the coaching and mentoring modules, which inspired her to support others through her organisation’s mentoring programme. Reflective practice became a key part of her daily approach, encouraging her team to learn, adapt, and grow.

She also credits her success to the support she received from her mentor and tutor throughout the programme.

“My supervising tutor, Victoria, was fantastic - really approachable and supportive. And my mentor, Mel, was AMAZING! I feel like I couldn’t have done it without her.”

These relationships gave her the confidence to push further, recently leading to her acceptance onto the Step Up to Social Work programme, a significant next step in her career.

Advice to future apprentices

For anyone considering an apprenticeship, Emma’s message is simple but powerful:

“Yes! If you’re thinking about it - Stop! Just do it!”

She encourages others to embrace the challenge, make the most of every opportunity, and trust the process. The experience not only enhanced her career but shaped her into the kind of leader and role model she always aspired to be.