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CA Spotlight: Ensuring we Deliver the Best Experience

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CA SPOTLIGHT: Ellie

The CA Spotlight is our way of recognising and celebrating individuals’ achievements within the company. Over the last 12 months, our team has grown significantly, and we want to show appreciation for the fantastic work being done across Creative Alliance. We take feedback from learners, employers, colleagues, the senior management team, and the board to decide on who we will spotlight every other month.

This month, our spotlight is on: Ellie Dearn, Operations Manager!

Ellie has been chosen because of her outstanding contribution to the smooth running of Creative Alliance. Her colleagues describe her as “the glue that holds many of our moving parts together.” Whether it’s keeping EPAs on track, solving problems before they escalate, or supporting team members, Ellie brings calm, clarity, and care to everything she does.

Ellie’s story

Ellie joined Creative Alliance in 2018 as a Business Administrator Apprentice. At the time, she was looking for an opportunity where she could develop real workplace skills and be part of a creative and supportive environment. The apprenticeship was the perfect start, and enabled her to learn on the job while contributing to the team from day one.

Over time, she continued to develop her skills, take on more responsibility, and grow in confidence. Her journey has taken her from apprentice to Operations Manager, creating an exciting path to learn that no two days are the same, to enjoy finding solutions, keeping things organised, and making sure everyone feels supported.

How would you describe your role at CA and the impact that has for learners?

As Operations Manager, I make sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly. This means supporting the team with systems, processes, and planning so they can focus on delivering the best experience for learners and employers.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is mentoring new apprentices. Because I started out as an apprentice myself, I know what it feels like to be in their shoes. I enjoy helping them develop confidence, adapt to the workplace, and see their skills grow.

“Ellie’s journey at Creative Alliance is inspiring: from apprentice to Operations Manager, she now mentors others with the same dedication she once received.
By passing on her knowledge and skills, she helps secure the future of the next generation. Ellie is the central point of contact who keeps us all on track, with an art for organisation that makes a real difference. It has been a pleasure to watch her confidence grow, and I look forward to seeing all that she will go on to achieve.”

– John (Associate Director, Creative Alliance)

Congratulations, Ellie!

We are proud of Ellie’s journey from Business Administrator Apprentice to Operations Manager and grateful for the reliability, professionalism, and leadership she brings to Creative Alliance every day.