Tom Davies
LDN Data Fundamentals
This month, we're delighted to recognise Tom Davies, an apprentice on the LDN Data Fundamentals programme at Acclaro Advisory, as our October Apprentice of the Month.
Nominated by his Skills Coach, Dan Adams, Tom has impressed with his enthusiasm, collaborative mindset and determination to make a positive impact both on programme and in the workplace. Whether supporting fellow learners, contributing thoughtful ideas in live sessions or sharing new knowledge with colleagues, Tom consistently goes above and beyond to maximise the value of his apprenticeship.
Read Tom's nomination, together with feedback from his line manager, Chris Havers, and explore the other exceptional nominations we received this month.
Tom’s Skills Coach:
Tom epitomises what it means to be an LDN apprentice. Four months into the LDN Data Fundamentals programme, he continues to make the most of every opportunity the programme offers.
Not only are his portfolio pieces well designed, thoughtfully developed and consistently hitting the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) requirements from the outset, but Tom goes far beyond that. In live sessions, he gets involved, asks thoughtful questions and supports others whenever needed.
At our recent in-person development day, Tom worked in a group with learners from a different programme, seamlessly building relationships with everyone around him. He quickly understood the group dynamics and played an active role in ensuring everyone felt included and had a positive experience.
In the workplace, Tom is already applying what he is learning on the programme, sharing ideas with his team and the wider organisation about how processes and ways of working can be improved. As he continues through the programme, he is looking forward to bringing back insights from the AI concepts that will be covered and exploring how these can add value to the business.
For me, what stands out most is that Tom ensures his apprenticeship benefits not only his own development, but also those around him. He consistently looks for ways to share his learning, support others and create a wider impact, embodying exactly what it means to be an LDN apprentice.
Tom’s Line Manager:
How has Tom improved/impacted the business and the team since he started his apprenticeship?
Since starting his apprenticeship, Tom has focused on making his learning useful in two ways: applying it to his client consultancy projects and helping improve how we manage data across the business. He is already working with colleagues to design a more systematic, consistent approach to data management, making strong progress towards a process that the whole company can benefit from. He also leads discussions with senior management, sharing what he is learning and how those insights can be applied within the business. This willingness to share his knowledge is helping extend the value of his apprenticeship well beyond his own role.
What three words best describe Tom?
Dedicated, proactive and motivated.
Dedicated: Tom balances a busy analyst role and client commitments with the demands of his apprenticeship. He takes both responsibilities seriously and puts considerable effort into making time for his development.
Proactive: He takes the initiative to lead briefings with senior management, explaining what he is learning and identifying opportunities to apply it across the business.
Motivated: Tom is committed to getting the most from his apprenticeship. He looks beyond completing the coursework, seeking practical ways to use his learning to benefit clients, support colleagues and improve our company’s approach to data management.
Can you share an example of an outstanding piece of work, project or task Tom has worked on.
A standout example is Tom’s ongoing work to help design an improved company-wide data management process. He identified an opportunity to connect his apprenticeship learning with our need for a more systematic and consistent approach across consultancy projects. Working closely with colleagues, he is helping shape how that process could work in practice. Although the work is still developing, the initiative and ownership he has shown have been particularly impressive. He is using his development to contribute to a wider business improvement, with the potential to benefit colleagues and clients alike.
Here’s what was said about the other brilliant nominees:
Hannah Duke @ University of the West of England
Hannah has experienced a period of change, including transitioning to a new Skills Coach while approaching Gateway, but she has taken everything in her stride.
There have been some challenges along the way, but Hannah has worked incredibly hard to close any gaps in her knowledge and ensure she remained on track. She has shown real determination to improve her portfolio and has been highly motivated to take on board and act upon feedback.
Hannah has developed significantly throughout the programme and is already driving positive business change through the implementation of new feedback processes and by encouraging learning reviews across the organisation.
Sara Ashbourne @ Westminster City Council
Sara is a highly dedicated apprentice whose impact across Westminster is both significant and far-reaching. She consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful opportunities for residents, particularly those from seldom-heard communities who are not traditionally engaged through mainstream channels.
Her line manager, Lolly, describes her as the team's go-to person for additional support, resources and creative solutions. Sara has become a trusted colleague, making a substantial contribution to the team's success while also supporting and developing others.
Throughout her apprenticeship, Sara's written work has flourished, reflecting growing confidence, professionalism and a genuine passion for making a difference.
Fenn has shown exceptional commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm throughout her apprenticeship, consistently balancing demanding project work while remaining fully engaged in her learning. She has played a key role in Biodiversity Net Gain projects for a major manufacturing client, developing expertise in a specialist and rapidly emerging area of ESG.
Her work has earned direct praise from clients for her knowledge, professionalism and ability to communicate complex topics with confidence and clarity. Fenn also showcased her achievements as the only apprentice presenting at the CBRE Development Day.
Her projects have demonstrated such innovation and impact that they have been submitted for external industry award recognition.
Rhi has demonstrated outstanding commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm throughout her apprenticeship. She has stepped up to become an ambassador for the apprenticeship, willingly supporting Insight Sessions and helping potential future apprentices gain a genuine understanding of the learner experience.
Rhi has represented the programme with confidence and enthusiasm, providing valuable insight and encouragement to others. Alongside this, she continues to work diligently on her own apprenticeship, consistently producing thoughtful, high-quality portfolio work that demonstrates her dedication to learning and development.
She is a fantastic role model for fellow apprentices and an excellent advocate for the Digital Learning Designer programme.
Alessandra Anderson-Scatto @ Quarto Publishing
Alessandra has exuded enthusiasm and positivity from the moment she started her role. She is passionate about everything she does, from the books she works on to the team and projects she is involved in. She brings a real sense of curiosity to her work and is always looking for new ideas and opportunities.
Alessandra is already demonstrating impressive creativity, including developing a promotional competition for a children's book in which the winner's image will be transformed into a fairy by the book's author and illustrator.
Feedback from Alessandra's line manager is consistently outstanding and continues to improve. She is fully engaged with her apprenticeship, making excellent progress and contributing positively in all areas. It is a pleasure to work with her and see her developing so strongly.
Leanne Cooper @ London Borough of Harrow
Leanne has demonstrated exceptional progress and professionalism throughout her apprenticeship, consistently applying her learning to real workplace challenges. She has shown growing confidence in managing stakeholders, influencing decisions and promoting high standards of consultation and engagement across Harrow Council.
Through major public consultations, Leanne has successfully coordinated diverse stakeholders, translated complex information into clear communications and used data and insight to support effective decision-making. She has also embraced opportunities to support and upskill colleagues, helping to deliver meaningful engagement activities. Her commitment to continuous development and positive attitude are helping drive better outcomes for residents.