Meet the Team: Gemma Nicholson

Basic details:

• Name: Gemma Nicholson

• Company Role: Training Manager

• Favourite quote: Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

What do you do at PEAK?

I have recently taken over as Training Manager at PEAK. My job is to liaise with all apprentices, tutors, mentors and employers who are involved with apprenticeships and staff and governors of PEAK. I am an easy-going person with a can-do attitude. For my staff, I hope that I instil a calm working environment filled with positivity and success and have fun and a laugh. For employers and apprentices, my hope is to fill them with all current and relevant knowledge, be a pillar of support when needed and to create positive working relationships with open communication.

What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position?

My training began when working in my local gym. I am a qualified level 2 fitness instructor, personal trainer and can teach a variety of classes from aerobics to spinning (which is my personal favourite!). I then completed a sport and exercise development degree at the University of Sunderland and following that, teacher training status. For the last 8 years I worked as a primary school teacher, who was in charge of KS1 and was ECT mentor for the school.

What’s your Archetype?

Caregiver, task master and visionary.

What do you like about working at PEAK/What are you looking forward to when working at PEAK?

PEAK has allowed me to get my life back. I now have a healthy work life balance which I am so grateful for. Dave trusts me in everything I do and this has allowed my confidence to return and flourish. I have never felt so appreciated and supported in my job role which in turn has enabled me success in my role so far. I enjoy being able to visit different schools and businesses and help Dave develop the apprenticeship side of the business whilst also being able to take and pick my children up from school.

What’s your background?

I grew up in the beautiful city of Durham with my younger sister and parents. I am very lucky that my best friends are still the same people I went to school with (one of which now works with me!) and I am privileged that I now get to bring my own children up in such a beautiful place. The person I look up to most is my Grandma. She has always put others before herself and is the funniest and most stylish Grandma on the planet! When I was younger all I ever wanted was to be as kind and caring as her. I think my favourite food growing up was a staple diet of turkey drummers, potato waffles and beans, however, I now love a good chicken tikka masala.

What are the values that drive you?

What we believe filters down and inspires who we are and what we do. Think about what you believe as it relates to your position, and the work you do in your industry. Often, we’re carrying the banner for popular needs and beliefs, like responsible business, care for human beings, freedom of expression, etc.

After working in the fitness industry and education for so many years my core values are kindness, respect, honesty and loyalty. I believe these are important not just in work but in my personal life also.

Your top 3 favourite Podcasts/Books?

The Institute Talks

Feel Better, Live More

Harry Potter Collection

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

· Spending time with my family and friends

· Going on walks with our dog Betsy

· Going to the cinema

· Having a glass of wine!