Currently on the Level 5 Operational/Departmental Manager apprenticeship, Ruth Williams has found it a great asset in developing her career after working part time while bringing up her daughters.
Ruth has had a long and varied career at Norse and her apprenticeship has been instrumental in focusing and growing it further.
She worked for NPS North West in Wigan, from 2004 until 2020, firstly as Senior Projects Officer, managing the finance section, then Project Monitoring Manager, where she oversaw the finance and admin function within the business.
This led to the temporary post of Interim Commercial Operations Manager, before she transferred to NPS Leeds as Senior Commercial Manager in May 2020.
As she now comes towards the end of the modules for her Level 5 Operational/Departmental Manager apprenticeship – and is soon to start her end point assessment project – she reflects on what the training has meant to her:
Why did you choose to complete an apprenticeship?
I am a mum to three girls and worked part time from 2004 to 2017 while they were growing up.
When my youngest started high school, I decided to go back to work full time. I felt I had spent a few years having a great work and family balance but now wanted to develop my career and see what I could achieve within the business.
I initially embarked on the NPS Future Leaders programme, a two-year management development programme. This led to numerous opportunities to work within Norse, including with both the Leeds and Wigan offices.
The apprenticeship was a natural progression from this as it allowed me to enhance and develop my leadership and management skills.
What have been the biggest benefits of your apprenticeship?
The benefits are that the course is work based and designed to work alongside your role.
As you progress, you build up a portfolio of evidence that is intended to benefit your role and the wider business operations.
The end point assessment project will be a live project that has a positive impact on the business, creating a new business idea or improving an existing one.
What have been the highlights of the apprenticeship for you?
The best part of the programme has been the interaction with the other people on the course, as well as mentors, albeit that much of this has had to be held remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Being able to interact with others and share experiences and knowledge on the training course days has also been a highlight.
What are your future plans?
On completion of the course I am hoping to apply for Chartered Manager status with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). I am also completing an APM Project Management course to broaden my knowledge in this area.
What advice would you give to someone else considering an apprenticeship?
Definitely give it a go. An apprenticeship is for anyone, regardless of age and level of experience.
I have found the Level 5 quite demanding at times but also rewarding as it works alongside your existing role, while enhancing your management skills across a range of business areas.
Sum up your apprenticeship experience in three words:
Engaging, challenging, rewarding.
