Learning at Work Week 2026 has officially begun, and this year’s theme — “Many ways to learn” — invites us to celebrate the diverse paths we all take in developing our skills, confidence, and careers.
At Cygnet, learning isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live every day.
To mark the week, our colleague Megan has shared a personal reflection on her journey with Cygnet — a story shaped by growth, encouragement, and the transformative power of learning at work.
Her experience captures exactly why this week matters and why investing in people truly makes a difference.
It’s Learning at Work Week 2026!
Today marks the start of Learning at Work Week 2026. The theme for Learning at Work Week 2026 is “Many ways to learn”. This theme highlights diverse methods for skill-building, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and creating inclusive opportunities to develop capabilities for both personal and professional growth.
In her blog below, our colleague Megan reflects on her career journey with Cygnet and what Learning at Work Week means to her.
‘’Learning at Work Week feels like the perfect time to reflect on my journey so far at Cygnet, and as I step into my new role as Training Manager Apprenticeships, it feels even more meaningful.
My story is one of growth, support, and the power of learning to open doors- often in ways you don’t expect when you first start.
I joined Cygnet because I was looking for a role where learning truly mattered, not just as a concept, but as something that made a real difference to people and services. From the beginning, it felt like a place where learning wasn’t treated as “nice to have”, but as something fundamental.
What made me stay at Cygnet was the people and the culture. I was welcomed into an environment where curiosity was encouraged and development was actively supported. I never felt like I had to already know everything, instead, I felt trusted to learn, ask questions, and build confidence over time.
Knowing that Cygnet invests in its people and genuinely wants them to succeed made it feel like somewhere I could build a long-term career, not just gain experience.
My first day on the Achieve team
Before joining Cygnet, I really struggled to find my place in the working world. I spent a long time in hospitality, feeling stuck and unsure of what I actually wanted to do. I knew there had to be more for me, but finding a way out, and figuring out what that looked like, felt overwhelming. I didn’t lack motivation; I just lacked direction and the right support.
When I joined Cygnet as a Learning and Development Administrator, I didn’t come in with a clear plan or a five-year goal. I honestly just needed a chance. What I found was an environment where learning was genuinely valued, and where people were supported rather than judged for not having it all figured out yet. Seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes to support learning and watching how the right opportunities can completely change someone’s confidence, was a turning point for me.
Being so close to learners helped me recognise something I hadn’t been able to put into words before: I wanted to be the kind of support for others that I had once needed myself. The encouragement I received, combined with the belief others showed in me, helped me believe in myself too.
Behind every great learning experience is a great team.
Happy Learning at Work Week!
That journey has led me to my next step, moving into the role of Training Manager Apprenticeships. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, but more than anything, I’m grateful that I found my direction, and excited that I now get to help others who might be feeling lost, unsure, or stuck- and show them that with the right support, things really can change.
Beyond career progression, learning at work has helped me better understand myself. I’ve realised I’m capable of far more than I once thought, and found genuine pride in helping people develop and succeed.
Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and believing in myself. Some of my proudest moments have been defined by pushing past self-doubt, embracing new challenges, and seeing the positive impact that learning can have on others.
As I move into my new role, what I’m most looking forward to is being able to help others on their own learning journeys. Apprenticeships can be truly life- changing, and I’m excited to support learners in building their confidence, skills, and future careers – just as I’ve been supported.
Grateful to work alongside supportive leaders and colleagues
I’m passionate about making learning accessible, meaningful, and empowering, and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that shares that vision. If my journey shows anything, it’s that with the right support and opportunities, learning at work really can change lives- including your own.’’
Megan’s journey is a powerful reminder that learning can change the direction of a career — and sometimes even how we see ourselves. At Cygnet, we’re proud to champion a culture where everyone has the opportunity to grow, explore new possibilities, and build a future they’re excited about.
Learning at Work Week may last just a few days, but the commitment to development continues all year round.
Whether you’re taking your first step, planning your next move, or discovering a completely new path, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you’d like to explore the many ways you can learn, grow, and thrive at Cygnet, you can find out more below:
