Considering apprenticeships in your business?

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The fourth cohort of the Open University's Certificate in Leadership programme was a resounding success with the introduction of a return on investment challenge. Participants recognised the need to 'give back' to their employer for the investment in their development and each one came up with an idea to generate more income, improve process efficiency or reduce costs. We targeted them to pay back at least the investment of £2000 and the average amount returned was £9000 per learner. This demonstrates that it really does pay to develop your employees.

I’ve waited to endorse as so many training programmes can feel like you’ve learnt/made a difference from them at the time but you realise that longer term old habits slip back in however, it sounds like a big statement, but I’m a different person personally and professionally since taking part and a large part of that is how motivated I was to engage and get the most from the programme by Lisa’s extensive knowledge and innovative approach to development; Lisa did not teach us how to be leaders; she led and encouraged us to be world class leaders for ourselves. Inspired – Thanks Lisa!

L Widdows 

My Line manager was really impressed, both with my presentation, the course, and my self awareness, she thought it was spot on. It seems this course has touched parts that other courses don’t quite reach!

S King 

I was inspired by the transformational leadership outlook of the module, challenging and breaking through barriers has never been my driver at work. However I am starting to appreciate that this starts with me…

G. Kitchen 

I enjoyed, had fun and learned with others during this process. I followed the key values of Action Learning Sets; honesty – honest with oneself and others; respect – respecting others and their viewpoint; responsibility – taking responsibility for our own learning practice and actions.

Dr S. Minocha

This has been a very personal journey. …I will move from being a manager to being a leader – a difference that this course has certainly impressed upon me. 

S. Eglinton Pacitti

I’ve done a lot of different training and learning but found that I really enaged with this far more deeply than I have anything I’ve done in the past – I think it’s got a lot to do with the way the course is planned and facilitated. The coaching element has been particularly helpful in motivating me to make changes in my practice and grow as a leader and manager – a brilliant experience.

C. Walker  

I have been hugely inspired to progress with being more forward looking and strategic in approach. To achieve this and continue my leadership journey I’m using the fish philosophy, by adopting find it live it coach it – my it is the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little bit extra.

Adam Webb 

The 18 month pilot Magnet Apprenticeship Programme saw apprentices experience every role in a Magnet trade and Retail store including gaining a forklift truck license to designing kitchens for customers using CAD.  Apprentices pitched their individual business improvement ideas to senior managers in a Dragon's Den style pitch, some of which are now being implemented. The programme was highly commended at the National Apprenticeships Awards for Best large employer newcomer Rolls Royce Award.