From Station Manager to Technical Assurance Engineer: Marco Newell's career transformation with Learning People

In this interview, Marco Newell, a London-based professional, shares his transformative journey with Learning People. Seeking to break through a career plateau, Mark turned to Learning People for globally recognised qualifications and new opportunities. From managing the UK's busiest station to becoming a Technical Assurance Engineer at HS2, Mark discusses how his new skills have not only advanced his career but also inspired entrepreneurial ventures. He reflects on the value of self-investment and offers advice for those considering a similar path.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello, my name is Marco Newell, and I'm from London, United Kingdom. I studied PRINCE2 Foundation Practitioner and Agile through Learning People.

Tell us why you enquired with Learning People.

There was a part of my life that I wanted to change. I felt I had hit a glass ceiling in terms of career progression and needed to learn new skills. I'd been relying on the same skills for the last five years, and I wanted more opportunities, whether within my current business or elsewhere. I came across Learning People online, specifically on Facebook. The most appealing factors were the opportunity to gain a globally recognised qualification, enhanced job prospects, flexible study options, value for money, and the excellent student support that I'd heard about.

What job were you doing previously, and what are you doing now?

I used to be the station manager for the busiest station in the UK. After studying and qualifying in PRINCE2 Foundation, I was offered a job with HS2 as a Technical Assurance Engineer. I feel confident, optimistic, and I've got a plan for my future. I'm happy and very grateful for the opportunity to work for such a large company and to have been able to study and gain this qualification.

What kind of impact did your Learning People experience have on your career journey?

I now have a clear idea of what I want to do. With all the experience and qualifications I've gained, I understand how to start a project and complete it within budget and on time. I'm now investing in myself—I've already started a business that focuses on distributing organic honey from Lithuania. I'm also working on another project, a venture involving organic body products, which should be completed around the summer, hopefully within budget and on time. With all the experience and knowledge I've gained, I'm really happy and optimistic about the future. It's onwards and upwards from here—watch this space.

What have you enjoyed about your Learning People experience?

Sharing my journey with Alex and Rachel from Learning People. I enjoyed it because they believed in me and have supported me throughout my journey. Even now, my journey continues, and they are still supporting me.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about enrolling?

As Maverick would say, "Don’t think, just do." That's my motto—just get on with it. No procrastinating, no self-doubt, just seize the opportunity while you still can.

Was it worth the investment?

Absolutely. Self-investment is always worth it. I've worked on a £100 billion project, started a new company, and am working on another. Without a doubt, it was worth the money—every penny.