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The University of Sunderland: Leaders of the Future

In September 2021 the University of Sunderland refreshed its Senior Leader apprenticeship.

Proud to be working in collaboration with employers across the region their newly designed apprenticeship aims develop strategic approaches to leadership for those in senior roles.

The new 22-month Senior Leader apprenticeship combines an MBA, blending work-based learning with business, leadership and management education.

Six months into the programme, apprentices are already seeing the benefits.

Craig Scott, who wanted to enhance his skills after securing a management role at the Adient car seat factory in Cherry Blossom Way, Sunderland is one of those apprentices.

Craig said: “I started in September and I’m already learning a lot. The first module about leadership identity, for example, has been an eye opener and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.”

Flexibility is a key part of the programme design, with an acknowledgement that the demands of the workplace sometimes requires a less rigid set day to the minimum 20 per cent “off the job” study.

This apprenticeship offers a flexible approach to learning with just one day a month at the University, presenting a desirable and accessible learning opportunity around work demands whilst the continuing to earn a salary.

The programme lead, senior lecturer in leadership David Pearson, said: “We appreciate that the people who join the programme are working in senior roles within their organisations and are busy, so the course is designed to allow the apprentices to have some flexibility around work, study and family.”

Craig added: “Sometimes I’ll be at the University, other times there are online live sessions and independent learning activities. It’s difficult to get a full day out of the business, though, so for me it’s about little and often – to try and study for eight hours solid, say, is often too difficult, so it’s a bit of a balancing act.”

The Senior leader apprenticeship includes five modules which help develop key knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to be an outstanding leader.

Leadership and Leader Identity, which explores personal values, motives and goals for enhancing strategic leadership capabilities in a fast changing and increasingly digital workplace.

Strategic Leadership and Entrepreneurship covering key themes associated with sustainable strategic leadership and management. The module develops the skills to critically explore strategic approaches and appraise contemporary perspectives which are key to high performance in an uncertain environment.

Developing Collaborative High Performing Cultures will explore aspects related to organisational development, performance and sustainability in a digital world.

Innovation and Change Management includes key themes associated with innovation and change management that encourage and support organisations to perform successfully in dynamic and digital environments to ensure sustainability.

Strategic Business Research Project which involves a substantial strategic business research project that brings together elements of the learning from across the programme.

The University has three enrolment opportunities each year. Their next start date is 5 May.

Interested in the University of Sunderland MBA Senior Leader apprenticeship? Why not join their free online information event on Monday 4th April from 4:00pm-5:00pm

To find out more about the MBA Senior Leader Apprenticeship at the University of Sunderland click here

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by University of Sunderland .