Name of apprenticeship standard:
Senior Leader

Level:
7

Duration:
18 months

Start date/end date:
Feb 2022/ August 2023

Tell us a bit about your apprenticeship role

I am completing a Level 7 Executive Leadership Apprenticeship at Leeds University Business School. Topics include positive leadership, managing change, strategy for business leaders, management decision making, finance, ethical and sustainable leadership and digital business transformation. Each module has an all-day in-person workshop at the university, and the rest of the learning is on-line. You also need to complete a portfolio demonstrating knowledge, skills and behaviours that you have developed throughout the course. There is a work-based project to complete at the end but I haven’t got that far yet! Leeds University also gives the opportunity to up-lift the qualification to an MSc by completing a dissertation after the apprenticeship, which I am hoping to do.

What made you want to do an apprenticeship?

As a manager at the Combined Authority, I wanted to undertake some formal training to really understand what good leadership looks like. I have been very lucky to have had some brilliant managers who I have been able to learn from, and I thought that the apprenticeship would help me to further develop the skills and confidence I need to work towards my ambition to be a Head of Service.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

The last time I have done any learning like this is when I was at university first time round which is now nearly 20 years ago! Getting back into the rhythm of studying and writing assignments was challenging to begin with, especially juggling study with a busy full-time role. However, I have learnt so much that it really feels worthwhile.

I think an apprenticeship is a great way to complete an accredited training course because it is work based, so the content relates directly back to your own role. There are lots of courses and local providers to choose from, and the application process is straightforward.

What have you enjoyed most about your apprenticeship?

I’ve really enjoyed learning again. I think I took it for granted when I was younger, so feel really lucky to get that opportunity again as a mature student. I particularly like how the content is related back to your role so you can relate the learning very practically to your own organisation. 

My colleague and friend Jane Green is completing the same apprenticeship, and it has been great to have been through the experience together and to be able to talk through things and discuss ideas. But it’s also been great that there is a diverse mix of other students from really varied roles and organisations, so we have been able to hear different perspectives and get an understanding of broader roles.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Go for it!