Senior Leader Apprenticeship Journey: A Milestone of Growth

At MWW, lifelong learning is one of our core beliefs. Whether someone works out in the field or at our head office, we believe every member of the MWW team should have the opportunity to grow, develop and thrive throughout their career. That’s why we’re especially proud to celebrate our colleague Karina Makarkina and her inspiring apprenticeship journey.

Back in 2018, driven by a desire to advance her career, Karina began a Level 3 apprenticeship. Just one year later, she had successfully advanced to the Level 5 apprenticeship programme, where she was able to build on her leadership skills and expanding her strategic thinking.

By 2022, Karina set her sights even higher, choosing this time to enrol in the prestigious Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship. This is the most advanced level of the apprenticeship programme and equips the next generation of business leaders with the tools they need to lead and drive high-performing teams. Over the next three years, Karina committed herself to rigorous study while continuing in her role within the buying team.

We’re delighted to share that Karina has recently completed her final assessment and project presentation, earning her a Distinction — a fantastic achievement that reflects not only her hard work during her studies, but her unwavering dedication to lifetime learning.

“It was an incredible moment of pride and accomplishment that marked not just the end of a qualification, but the success of a truly transformational journey,” said Karina.

Her success, she notes, was made possible by the support of many of wider MWW team:

“To MWW, thank you for believing in my potential and giving me the opportunity to grow. To the Senior Management team, and especially Sharon Affleck, your support, encouragement and guidance were invaluable during my studies. I am genuinely grateful to you all.”

Karina’s story is one of ambition, growth, personal development, and shared success. And as she celebrates this milestone with the team, she’s already setting her sights on what’s next:

“As someone who considers themselves a forever student, I see this milestone not as the end, but just the beginning. My next goal? To complete an MBA, it would be the cherry on top of the cake!”

We’re incredibly proud of Karina’s achievement as an apprentice and of the commitment to learning and development she brings to our team every day. Her journey is a great example of how apprenticeships can unlock potential and drive long-term success, both for individuals and for the business.

Congratulations, Karina, on your well-earned distinction and for showing us what’s possible with drive, support and ambition. We just know that the best is yet to come!