Kate Lillywhite

To be quite honest, I don’t think I knew quite what to expect! I really enjoy the process of learning and felt that the Senior Leader Apprenticeship and Henley MBA would be a good fit for my skills and role - but had I known quite what I was taking on, I might have given it a little more thought!

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the programme has been remotely delivered for the first 18 months, which is a shame. Nonetheless, I’ve got a great learning team and network at SLaM, and we’ve definitely kept each other going. Although it’s been harder than I had thought at times, it’s been a real joy at others. To be able to apply my learning in my role is highly satisfying!

My line manager has been very supportive (he did an MBA at Henley himself previously!). Lizzie Cairn’s (my apprenticeship tutor) has had the unenviable job of helping to keep me on track. Still, I have really appreciated the regular catch-ups and level of support that she offers to the cohort.

I have certainly developed my knowledge, skills and behaviours. The models and frameworks which are taught through the programme are directly applicable to my role. I am fortunate enough to work with another MBA apprentice, so we have the opportunity to encourage one another to use our learning as well. I’m proud to say that my family regularly refer to me as an MBA bore…!

Henley includes personal development modules which enable you to connect your learning on a number of personal and professional modules. The reflective spaces are incredibly helpful for stepping back and making sense of what’s going on around you. It’s something really important that Henley helps to develop over time. I feel incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity.

It’s a significant commitment which can be hard to juggle at times – work-life balance inevitably becomes work-life-study balance, and by definition, there’s less time for life! I personally would say it’s absolutely worth it, but no doubt, it can feel tough at times.

I wish I’d known before how amazing the campus at Henley is, particularly after 18 months of remote teaching!

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of applying your learning which means it’s much more likely to create a meaningful, lasting change in your skills and knowledge. When you have the opportunity to put something you’ve learnt into action, it’s incredibly satisfying, so I would recommend anyone do an apprenticeship.

Doing the apprenticeship has enabled me to bring more to my role, offer more to the organisation, and ultimately provide greater benefit to SLaM and, therefore, indirectly, the communities we serve in South London.