The journey to success is rarely a straight line, more often it involved knowing when to pivot, when to rest and when to fight for your goals. For Eduardas Sarkisjan, a Level 5 Operations Management Apprentice, mastering resilience in the workplace meant stepping away from his studies to find the mental clarity needed to succeed while avoiding burn-out. After a brief hiatus where he traded his desk for a boxing gym, Ed returned to his apprenticeship with a fresh mindset and a recent boxing victory.
A New Chapter
Ed originally began his apprenticeship with training provider Total People in October 2024. However, by May 2025, the pressure of his career, personal commitments and higher-level learning began to take its toll. Recognising that his head wasn’t in the right place, Ed made the decision to take a break to regain his focus.
During his six-month break, Ed discovered solace in the boxing ring. What started as a way to improve his physical health became a catalyst for a mental transformation. By committing to two boxing sessions and a weightlifting session each week, Ed dropped 12kg in just four months. More importantly, the discipline required for the sport began to bleed into his professional life, giving him a new-found confidence.
The Return
Coming back to an apprenticeship after a break can be intimidating, but Ed wasn’t alone. He credits our internal Training Manager, Lesley-Ann, for providing the motivation and support to get his journey back on track in December 2025. With his work-life balance in a healthier place and his new-found confidence, Ed is now smashing his apprenticeship goals.
Ed’s experience outlines a vital lesson for any professional: Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a moment to reset. As Ed puts it, it’s never too late to try again once you feel ready to.
Victory
Last week, Ed had his first competitive boxing match, stepping into the ring in front of a live crowd and streamed online. Ed felt a surprising sense of calm in the ring, the nerves that might have held him back a year ago were replaced with quiet confidence. This composure led him to his first win! A moment that symbolises how far he’s come both physically and mentally, Ed now brings this new stronger mindset to his professional life every single day.
Ed’s Tips for Success
- Take a Break: If you feel like giving up, try taking a rest first. Reset when needed and come back stronger.
- Just Go for It: Don’t spend all your time dreaming about what you could achieve, the most important step is the first one.
- Trust Yourself: Confidence comes from discipline and seeing what your mind and body are capable of when you put it to the test.
Ed is proof that what some may see as a setback is just a setup for a strong return. We are incredibly proud to see him back on his apprenticeship journey and can’t wait to see what he achieves next, both at work and in the ring!