Skills, growth, and saying “yes” more: Lee Hartley’s journey from apprentice to CEO
09 April 2026
An apprenticeship is more than a training programme - it’s a powerful opportunity to gain skills, grow as a leader, and lay the foundations for a successful, long-term career.
And for employers, it’s a chance to nurture talent and build a skilled, motivated workforce.
Lee Hartley, CEO of Novus Property Solutions, has been on both sides.
Lee has built a successful career in housing, starting out with a quantity surveying apprenticeship at the same organisation he now leads.
He emphasises how his apprenticeship gave him a solid mix of practical experience and structured learning, while boosting his confidence and understanding of what happens in a real workplace.
“I feel fortunate to have kicked my career off with an apprenticeship. They help build essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience, which are all vital in any career path.”
Lee’s experience has also shaped how he now thinks about supporting the next generation. He’s a big believer in that apprentices thrive when the environment around them does too.
“Organisations must offer clear development pathways, access to mentors, and opportunities to learn from different teams or departments. Celebrating achievements and providing regular guidance also helps People see their potential, giving them the motivation and confidence to succeed.”
That’s why Lee is supporting PfP Thrive to deliver compliance training, trade skills apprenticeships, and leadership development opportunities to the next generation of housing professionals.
“Organisations like PfP Thrive are doing a fantastic job of supporting apprentices by investing in them.
They’re part of the future of the housing industry. The better equipped they are to deal with everything social housing throws at them, the more future proofed we are.”
At PfP Thrive, we specialise in delivering expert-led training and apprenticeship programmes which are not only designed to empower the housing sector but also bridge the skills gap.
Apprenticeships help employers as well. Through structured learning solutions, businesses can develop a skilled workforce that drives growth, efficiency, and long-term impact.
As Lee reflects on his journey, he emphasises how the learning didn’t stop once his apprenticeship ended. In fact, some of the most defining moments came later, when he pushed himself to grow, take risks and step into new challenges.
“Some of the most influential moments along the way were the times I pushed myself to take on responsibilities that felt slightly outside my comfort zone.
Saying yes to new challenges and staying committed to developing my skills through training, guidance from others, or learning on the job played a big part in shaping my career.”
During an apprenticeship, most of your time is spent getting stuck into hands-on experience while putting what you’re learning straight into practice as you work towards a qualification.
With so much variety in the day-to-day, Lee picked up skills like adaptability and strong communication that have stuck with him ever since.
“Apprenticeships teach you to learn quickly, adjust to new situations, and put knowledge into practice straight away. Being able to listen, share ideas clearly, and work well with different People makes a huge difference in almost any role.”
These skills have shaped the way Lee approaches growth. The ability to adapt, communicate openly, and learn on the go built a mindset he still carries forward. Personal development doesn’t stop once the qualification is earned!
“It's important to keep investing in your own learning and to trust in your ability to grow.
"I’m a big believer that progress isn’t defined by a job title, it’s shaped by consistent actions, attitude, and willingness to keep improving along the way.”
Lee encourages future apprentices to take the same approach. Just because a task has been ticked off the list doesn’t mean growth stops there, there’s always more room to step up, go the extra mile, and learn further.
“Building positive relationships means you can jump at the opportunity to learn, not only from mentors, but other learners too. Be open to challenges and expect them as these are often the golden nuggets that turn into the moments where you develop the most.”
And when it comes to the advice Lee would give his younger self? It’s all about being unafraid.
“Don’t be afraid to take risks or explore new opportunities. Every challenge teaches you something, and you’re capable of more than you realise!”
Ready to see how apprenticeships could strengthen your workforce?
At PfP Thrive, we deliver high-quality apprenticeships that give People the real-world skills and recognised qualifications they need to thrive in today’s workplace.