"The benefits the programme brings to you in your role, and throughout the organisation are incredibly valuable. I would recommend the Level 5 to anyone in a management or leadership position."
Why did you decide to take the Level 5 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship?
I was considering a master’s degree in manufacturing but at the time this didn’t fit with priorities. However, the company was looking for ways it could develop programmes to utilise its Apprenticeship Levy for management and leadership development and the Level 5 Apprenticeship was made available.
I’d already taken the Level 3 course when I originally became a Team Leader and found it really valuable. I still use the techniques from the Level 3 today, and I keep my course notes on my shelf, and will on occasion refer to them.
When I was offered the opportunity to take the Level 5, I assumed correctly that it would be equally as valuable to me in my now more senior role.
What were your first impressions of the Level 5 programme?
Initially it was quite challenging and very different to a Level 3 programme where you are presented with the answers. The Level 5 requires you to use your own initiative to self-research techniques in more detail, but I soon found my routine and really enjoyed this approach.
The programme was completely flexible to suit my individual availability and learning approach, and as long as I completed my study in the required time frame, I was able to manage learning with my work priorities.
In addition, the reflective CPDs on KBPRO® were brilliant, I was able to select the techniques that linked directly to my assignments – this helped make the learning even more applicable.
Has the Level 5 changed the way you approach your role?
In a production environment which runs 365 days a year you are constantly facing challenges. And, as a Scientist, where things are relatively black and white in that something is either right or wrong, I’d be too quick to think issues were because of human error rather than wider process issues.
However, one thing the programme has done is change my approach to this. If people don’t do something there’s normally a very good reason, and you need to be much harder on the process than the people.
I have learnt that if a process isn’t working, it’s not just not working for one person, it’s everyone, and it’s not that they don’t want to do a good job, the process doesn’t allow it.
When I started in my new role, the first thing I did was to try and understand the reasons why a regimented process which works for one geographical location within Tata may not be working as effectively in our business in the UK.
I’ve been able to use what I have learnt on the Level 5 to develop approaches to these processes that not only meet objectives, but suit our culture here at Tata Chemicals Europe.
The course has helped me make excellent progress in my new role, and I’ve been able to directly engage directors across the company to understand what their teams need to do to improve processes.
The KnowledgeBrief programme provides the skills and knowledge to assess and challenge whether an idea or process is viable, and be able to validate the approach or present an alternative solution – this is exactly what you need from a leader.
Do you feel more confident as a leader?
The programme has made me more effective and confident in my role. It’s given me the confidence to recognise when an approach to a process isn’t working or needs improving, call this out, and recommend solutions to improve efficiencies and effectiveness.
If you were going to recommend the Level 5 Apprenticeship, what would you say?
It’s challenging but it will encourage you to use your initiative and tenacity to investigate and understand for yourself how to apply the fundamentals of effective leadership. The benefits the programme brings to you in your role, and throughout the organisation are incredibly valuable. I would recommend the Level 5 to anyone in a management or leadership position.