Publish date: 14 February 2025
Before starting her Chartered Management Degree (CMD) apprenticeship, Kavita Ramlugan was looking for ways to advance her career while continuing to work. As a Referrals and Bed Manager for the West London Forensic Service, her job was fast-paced and unpredictable—no two days were the same. She knew that gaining a business qualification would be a perfect fit for her role, helping her develop skills that could make a real impact.
Kavita (pictured right, on her graduation day) first learned about the CMD apprenticeship during an open day at the Learning and Development (L&D) department at St. Bernard’s Hospital. Initially, she felt unsure about managing the workload alongside her job. However, with encouragement from her colleagues, she decided to take the leap and submitted her application—just in time!
Fast forward to today, Kavita is proud to hold a first-class honours degree in Business Studies and be a qualified Chartered Manager. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges that balancing work and study was challenging, particularly meeting deadlines for essays. However, she found the lectures engaging and enjoyed discussing various topics with her peers.
Throughout the apprenticeship, Kavita developed valuable skills in project management, leadership, and strategic thinking, all of which have been directly transferrable to her role. She now approaches her work with more “confidence and purpose.” The support from the Trust’s L&D department, her colleagues at West London Trust, and her peers was invaluable in helping her stay on track, she says.
Kavita’s line manager, Neil Ragoobar, Service Director and Clinical Lead for the Men’s Medium Secure Service at West London Forensic Service, has seen first-hand how she has grown professionally.
"I have worked with Kavita for the past eight years and been Kavita's line manager for the past two years. During this time, her role as referrals and bed manager has evolved, becoming more complex due to changes in commissioning arrangements for secure mental health services.
Despite the academic challenges, Kavita successfully balanced her responsibilities with the help of her colleagues, tutors, and family. Along the way, she gained time management skills that she believes will benefit her throughout her career. Looking to the future, she is now considering further study options and encourages others to explore apprenticeships as a rewarding way to learn and grow professionally.
Her hard work has paid off in many ways. Not only did she achieve a first-class degree, but she was also named joint Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards!
As National Apprenticeship Week arrives, Kavita is excited to share her journey, hoping to inspire others to pursue apprenticeships as a powerful path for personal and professional development.
Congratulations, Kavita!
Find out more about apprenticeships at the Trust here.