Julie Bentley, a senior librarian at City of Wolverhampton Council, is part-way through a two-year leadership and management apprenticeship, showing that they can benefit people who want to upskill and develop in their current role, as well as young people taking their first steps on the career ladder.
Julie, aged 48, who combines working full-time with studying for the Level 5 CMI Diploma in Management and Leadership, said: “I chose the apprenticeship in order to enhance my role as a manager.
“I am gaining an understanding of the management and leadership theories that underpin the behaviours of team members. A better understanding will make me a more holistic manager and give me the knowledge and skills I need to get the best of my team and ultimately to gain a promotion within the organisation.
“I attend workshops for each unit, which prepares me for my assignments, and meet regularly with my tutor to discuss my progress and what I will be required to do for the end point assessment at the end of the programme.”
Julie, who is planning on progressing to Degree/Masters level after completing her apprenticeship, added: “I’d suggest researching apprenticeships to anyone as not only do you learn, but you gain experience of working too.”