At Projecting Success, we’re always looking for ways to push the boundaries of learning, ensuring that our apprentices don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them. That’s where Chris Haynes comes in. A dedicated tutor with a wealth of experience in academia, industry, and education, Chris is spearheading the brand-new Trailblazer Scheme, designed to give high-achieving apprentices the opportunity to take their learning to the next level.

Who is Chris Haynes?

Chris has been a tutor with Projecting Success for a year, but his expertise stretches far beyond the classroom. With a background in software development and computer science, he has recently completed a PhD in Intelligent Visualisation and Machine Learning in collaboration with the NHS. His research focused on visualising patient recovery in critical care units and predicting recovery patterns using AI-driven models. Alongside his academic achievements, Chris has over eight years of teaching experience across higher and further education, making him the perfect mentor for those looking to push their limits.

Chris in his PHD graduation gown which is navy blue and orange

What is the Trailblazer Scheme?

The Trailblazer Scheme is designed for learners who are eager to go beyond the core requirements of their apprenticeships. These are individuals who thrive on challenge, seek opportunities to stretch their capabilities, and aspire to make a tangible impact within their organisations. Rather than confining their projects to their immediate teams, Trailblazers will have the chance to work on high-impact challenges affecting entire departments or even entire organisations.

Tutors, including Chris, will play a crucial role in identifying these ambitious learners, ensuring they receive the additional resources and mentorship they need to thrive. The scheme is completely voluntary, meaning participants can opt in based on their desire to take on more significant challenges.

What Can Trailblazers Expect?

Once selected, Trailblazers will gain access to:

High-Impact Projects: Instead of working solely on localised projects, apprentices will be tackling wider departmental or even cross-organisational issues. For instance, Chris is already collaborating with the Ministry of Defence’s Apprenticeship Projects Working Group to identify major challenges that apprentices can help solve.

Expert Mentorship: Learners will receive additional tutoring and guidance from subject matter experts, including specialists in machine learning and data analytics.

Advanced Resources: The scheme provides access to Projecting Success’ data team, including doctoral-level experts like Jonah, Ant, and Ran. Depending on restrictions, apprentices may also gain access to specialised data tools and software. Real-World Solutions: Unlike traditional apprenticeship projects, which may serve as proof of concepts or work-in-pr

A Vision for the Future

Chris envisions the Trailblazer Scheme as more than just an advanced learning initiative. He wants it to be a launchpad for apprentices to create groundbreaking solutions that haven’t been done before—projects that can genuinely revolutionise their industries. Whether it’s deploying AI-driven decision-making tools or tackling organisational inefficiencies, this scheme is about giving learners the tools and confidence to lead the way.

What’s Next?

While the Trailblazer Scheme is still in its early stages, the groundwork is already being laid. Over the coming months, Chris and the team will be identifying top learners, setting up project pipelines, and ensuring that this initiative has the infrastructure to support the next generation of innovators.

For those apprentices who are ready to challenge themselves, push past conventional boundaries, and make a lasting impact—this is just the beginning. Stay tuned as we roll out more details on how to get involved!

Chris and the Trailblazer Scheme embody what Projecting Success is all about: not just learning, but leading. We’re excited to see how this initiative unfolds and the incredible projects that will come out of it.