September 20, 2023 - 1434 views
There’s just over one week left to apply for next year’s UK Boardroom Apprentice programme. Applications close at 3pm on Monday, October 2.
UK Boardroom Apprentice is a unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain the experience that they need to take that step.
It seeks to enable a wider diversity of individuals to play their part within boardrooms, allowing those without board experience to enhance their knowledge and understanding through in-depth learning and support. Applications for the programme are open to people of all ages, from 18+, and all backgrounds and abilities.
Since its inception in 2017, the programme has seen 372 Boardroom Apprentices embark on their personal journey to serve on a public or third sector board.
UK Boardroom Apprentice founder Eileen Mullan said: “Boardroom Apprentice was created to deliver diversity, create change, and realise aspirations.
“Our vision is simple - to bridge the gap between aspiration and reality. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to join a host board for a year to learn how they can bring fresh perspectives and diverse thinking to boardrooms across the UK.”
Being a Boardroom Apprentice requires a significant personal commitment, most of which will be during the working day, along with some evenings and weekends. If you are employed, you will need your employer’s full support to do UK Boardroom Apprentice.
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must not have held a board position on either a public or private sector body or have not held a board position on a voluntary, community or social enterprise board.
Over the course of the 12-months, Boardroom Apprentices are required to engage in scheduled learning days covering essential topics, such as finance and governance, while also completing a board placement with one of 65 Host Boards.
For those thinking of applying to the programme, 2023 UK Boardroom Apprentice Manpreet Gill has this advice: “Just do it. Go into it wholeheartedly and soak it all up and take from it as much as you can because it will really add to you as a person, as an individual.
“It’s worth feeling uncomfortable because you realise all the value you can get from actually expanding your comfort zone.”
2023 UK Boardroom Apprentice Fred Sworder echoed the same sentiment crediting the programme with giving him an increased boost of confidence and enabling him to comprehend unique challenges. Despite being previously passive with his ideas, Fred now feels empowered to “get involved and be an active participant.”
When asked what advice he would give to the next class of Boardroom Apprentices, Fred said not to hesitate about putting in an application.
“The structure of the programme is very very supportive and the people you will meet, all the other Boardroom Apprentices are fantastic and actually an invaluable resource.
“It’s an incredible resource that I never really thought would exist and has been something that has really just clarified my thinking about where I want to invest my time and effort with the skills and experience I’ve built up”
Applications for UK Boardroom Apprentice 2024 close on Monday, October 2nd at 3pm.
For more information on UK Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com/uk/ and to find out more about how to apply, go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply.
