“I’m more structured in my thinking and more confident leading people with different skills and perspectives.” Haydn Dernly, CMI learner

When Haydn Dernley joined ICD Europe in 2019 as a General Processing Operative, he was eager to learn, grow, and make a difference. Within just six months, his dedication and curiosity led to a promotion into the Testing Department, where he quickly became recognised for his attention to detail and proactive approach to improvement.

Over the next few years, Haydn’s drive to excel saw him take on greater responsibility, becoming a key contributor to ICD Europe’s continuous improvement and innovation projects.

As his career progressed, Haydn identified leadership and management as areas where he wanted to develop further. Keen to formalise his skills and strengthen his ability to lead others, he proposed and enrolled on the CMI Level 3 Diploma in Management and Leadership with NLT Training Services, a decision that would prove transformational for both his professional and personal growth.

Learning with Purpose

The CMI Level 3 Diploma, delivered by NLT, provided Haydn with a structured, practical framework to build his management capability. Balancing full-time employment with study, he approached every module with commitment and enthusiasm, eager to apply new ideas directly to his work.

“The CMI Diploma gave me the structure and tools to become a better leader,” Haydn reflected. “It helped me understand different leadership styles, improve communication, and make decisions with more confidence.

Haydn’s mentor at NLT, Simon Temperton, recalls his exceptional dedication: Haydn stood out from the start. His assignments showed real depth of thought and practical application. He wasn’t just learning theory, he was using it to drive positive change in his workplace.

“His academic performance was consistently strong, and through self-directed study, he completed the full Diploma in just seven months, a remarkable achievement alongside a demanding operational role.”

Haydn was equally complimentary of Simon, saying: “I can’t stress enough how helpful and supportive Simon was during my course. The effort he made supporting me was absolutely brilliant. He was available at any time, even making time to have an in-person meeting with me to further my development and knowledge. It was an absolute pleasure working with him.”

Leadership in Action

The impact of Haydn’s learning soon became clear. His confidence grew, his communication style evolved, and he began mentoring new colleagues, helping them develop both technically and personally. He played a leading role in ICD Europe’s rollout of Metal Management Software (MMS), which improved operational efficiency, traceability, and data integrity across the company.

Haydn also represented ICD Europe internationally, travelling to Perth, Australia, and Winston-Salem, USA, to train teams and oversee the implementation of new testing and segregation facilities. These global projects required adaptability, collaboration, and strong leadership, all qualities strengthened through his CMI studies.

“The course changed how I approach challenges,” Haydn said. “I’m more structured in my thinking and more confident leading people with different skills and perspectives.”

A Model of Continuous Growth

Today, Haydn continues to champion professional development within ICD Europe. He mentors new staff, shares knowledge across departments, and encourages others to invest in their own learning journeys. His growth, from operative to international trainer in just six years, reflects what can be achieved through determination, curiosity, and the right professional training.

Empowering the Leaders of Tomorrow

Haydn’s journey demonstrates the power of learning to unlock potential and create confident, capable leaders. Through his CMI qualification with NLT Training Services, he has not only advanced his own career but also contributed to a culture of excellence and growth at ICD Europe.

His success embodies the values of both NLT and CMI – professional, progressive, practical, and passionate<strong>, and serves as an inspiring example of how effective management training can transform careers and organisations alike.

Learn at Your Own Pace

At NLT Training Services, our CMI-accredited management and leadership courses are designed to fit around you. Every learner benefits from one-to-one mentoring and personalised support, allowing you to take your qualification at your own pace – whether you want to progress quickly like Haydn or study steadily alongside your work and lifestyle. Our flexible approach means you can learn in a way that suits you best, developing the confidence, skills, and recognised qualifications to take the next step in your career.

Start your CMI Journey with NLT Today

If you’re ready to embark on a management and leadership course, get in touch with us to learn how we can support you on your journey to Chartered Manager status.