The value of Management and Leadership apprenticeships

Why choose a Management and Leadership Apprenticeship?

Here at Huddersfield Business School, our dynamic apprenticeship programmes are designed to propel individuals towards becoming better leaders and improving their management skills. In this blog we hear from Lidia, Shelley, and Daniel, learners on our Level 7 Senior Leader Higher Apprenticeship, about their experience on the programme.

Meet our learners

Lidia Holroyd - System Flow Coordinator

I have worked 33 years in the NHS, as a registered nurse and now in a non-clinical, management capacity. The focus of my role is all about influence and engagement and promoting the flow of patients coming through the hospital back out into the community. 

Shelley Rochford - Head of Risk and Compliance

I work for Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust in the Quality and Safety Team. I've worked in the Health Care sector now for 16 years.

Daniel Smith - Head of Operations and Compliance

I've worked in various roles in the NHS, starting out as an engineer, leading a team and now leading on projects to design and build new facilities and environment systems for the future.

Lidia, Shelley, Daniel Senior Leader Apprentices NHS Left to right: Lidia Holroyd, Shelley Rochford and Daniel Smith

 

How do you find the multiple ways of learning?

On-campus

The days on campus are most enjoyable. It’s great to be sat working alongside other people, sharing experiences and ideas, broadening our thinking and networking.

Work-based learning

Lidia - I've come to realise that much of the learning I've been engaged in professionally was happening organically, without me realising. I was simply functioning in my role. The topics and discussions we delve into during our sessions closely align with my everyday responsibilities as I deal with different people, different systems, and different organisations.

Remote learning

The remote technology allows that continuation of work, while providing the flexibility to complete our set tasks without cutting into our personal time.

As a local, I didn’t even realise there were such unique facilities on campus. The facilities at University of Huddersfield are second to none, they’re amazing and right on my doorstep! 

Daniel Smith - Head of Operations and Compliance

 

What support has the work-based learning coach provided you with?

Shelley – I've found working with a workplace learning coach really beneficial, especially when we have our three-way meetings between myself, the coach, and my line manager. It's given me a real opportunity just to check in, see the progress that I'm making and set the scene and expectation in terms of what to expect for module two.

Daniel – Having the work-based learning coach has been a big benefit. It’s provided me with guidance, support and coaching to help me develop where I might need improvement, but also to take my outputs to the next level.

 

How has the programme impacted you and the way you approach responsibilities within your role?

Lidia – The things I have learned on the programme have really made me think about how I approach and impact team leaders in my role. It’s made me more aware of how I can engage with them before I can even think about initiating real change.

 

How supportive has your employer been in facilitating your participation in projects and tasks that enhance your learning?

Daniel – The experience of the course has been brilliant to date. I can't say enough about the university and the support they provide, but also my organisation I work for, they've been very supportive in providing the workstreams and objectives in line with the course that I’m undertaking. So, that's been a massive benefit to myself and some of the projects I'm working on fit very well with the course and the modules.

 

What would your advice be for anyone who may be considering applying for an apprenticeship?

Shelley – If you’re considering applying to an apprenticeship, I’d say go for it! It’s a great opportunity and it’s been a really great experience. Everything you learn you can apply straight directly into your role.

Daniel – My advice would be 100% jump in and go for it. If you're thinking of your next steps and your personal development within your organisation, I would definitely recommend this course for you. It’s given me the tools to become a senior leader.

 

You can find out more about the Business Support and Professional Development opportunities offered by Huddersfield Business School at - https://www.hud.ac.uk/about/schools/huddersfield-business-school/business-support-and-professional-development/