Management Monday: Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders

National Apprenticeship Week is a significant annual event in the UK, celebrating the importance of apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, employers, and the economy as a whole.

We value the voices of our apprentices, recognising that their first-hand experiences shape not only their professional journeys but also contribute to our expertise as a company. Whether it's on-site, in the lab, or throughout our business operations, we acknowledge the contributions of those who begin their journey with us and grow alongside our company.

Today's focus is Management Monday, we asked three of our apprentices to delve into the intricacies of their training programmes.

What topics did you enjoy covering in your apprenticeship?

I thoroughly enjoyed the diverse range of topics covered during my apprenticeship, including fundamental principles, strategic leadership, strategic management, organizational development, finance and governance, change management, and developing a high-performance team and culture. The exposure to data science and reasoning, coupled with effective communication strategy and stakeholder buy-in, resonated with me on a personal level. One standout experience was the improved Estimating Dashboards and use of QlikView, which exemplified the practical application of the concepts we learned in the program. Additionally, the off-the-job learning, particularly from books such as 'Measure what Matters,' 'The Performance Pipeline,' and 'Strategic Analytics,' provided valuable insights that have already impacted my work.

What was the best thing you learnt during your apprenticeship?

The best thing to come out of the apprenticeship was really the much stronger work network that developed amongst the cohort undertaking it, it built a lot of trust and shared experiences across all of SOCOTEC UK’S platforms.

How are you using your apprenticeship in your day to day role?

In my day-to-day role, I utilise the revised estimating dashboards and Teams channel storage extensively, contributing to increased efficiency and accuracy in our processes. The use of decision tables, a concept I learned during the apprenticeship, has become integral to my decision-making approach. By incorporating data-driven insights and utilising the elements learned, I not only ensure the substance behind my answers but also contribute to the overall strategic goals of our team.

Why should others complete the Level 7 course?

Completing the Level 7 apprenticeship offers participants a range of benefits that contribute to both their personal and professional development. It’s a great way to get back in to learning and the apprenticeship approach lends its self really well not just to those at the start of their career but also those quite far down that road.

Random fact about me:

I hate pelicans having been bitten by one as a kid!

What topics have you enjoyed covering in your apprenticeship?

Project management was my favourite section as I found it really relevant to my job role.

It helped me understand the importance of keeping all stakeholders updated using appropriate forms of communication and aspects of effective project planning and leading a successful and motivated team.

What is the best thing you have learnt during your apprenticeship so far?

There are many management tools that can be used to help guide and make processes more effective that I was not aware of before starting my apprenticeship.

How are you using your apprenticeship in your day to day role?

Everyday! I lead the development team and it can become very de-motivating when things don’t go to plan.

I use the techniques I’ve learnt to help keep them motivated in delivering results and also understand and try to fill any knowledge gaps along the way.

Why should others complete the Level 3 course?

I have managed people for many years without any formal training but this really showed me there’s always more to learn about leading a team effectively.

Random fact about me:

I have always wanted to drive a double decker bus and used to want to be a bus driver when I was younger!

What topics have you enjoy covering in your apprenticeship?

The insights section has been very helpful to learn more about the thought processes of others. I am even thinking of running a session on Insights with my whole team in the coming months.

What was the best thing you learnt during your apprenticeship so far?

Gaining feedback from staff on ways to improve my managing style and better utilise everyone’s time.

How are you using your apprenticeship in your day to day role?

I am using the tools I have learnt so far to better deal with situations, rather than act upon instinct which I would have done before this training.

Why should others complete the Level 5 course?

To help better prepare yourself for dealing with other people that you may perceive as awkward, when in fact they just require more tools to deal with situations. This will better the chances of getting the results you require from everyone as one harmonious team.

Random fact about me:

I can’t swim!