Apprenticeship for Women in Leadership - Operations Manager Course

 

Operations Manager Qualification, Level 5 Women in Leadership Apprenticeship

 

Introduction

We are very pleased to announce a new Apprenticeship in Operations Management, which is for our women managers. Working alongside a wonderful apprenticeship provider, SCL professional, we have built a bespoke, accredited leadership course, for women. Wrapping around the qualification, the course will include resources, opportunities, and topics, which we hope our women staff will find useful in planning their leadership futures.  To help us build the course, we have utilised focus groups, and their suggestions have been woven through the course content, and into additional Master Classes.

 

Why did we want to offer something a little different?

We want to fill a gap in provision for our women managers, with a focus on developing leadership competencies tailored to our women leaders and managers and delivered in a safe and encouraging environment. We also understand the importance of fostering a supportive community, which champions women and shares knowledge, experience and information. We also want to prepare women to navigate complex leadership challenges with mental toughness and strategic foresight. We also see this Apprenticeship as being part of the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion offering, and supports other initiatives run by our dedicated colleagues.

We have also recently completed a non-accredited leadership course for women and have witnessed the benefits of bringing women together in a leadership community of practice.

 

What qualification will I receive?

You will get your hands on a pristine, level 5 Operations Manager qualification.

 

Who can undertake this course?

This course is for any woman member of staff who currently manages staff or significant projects, with a wide scope. You must also have objectives set that link to the University strategy.

(If you are not a manager yet, we also have a wonderful Team Leader Apprenticeship, that you can join, and which is open to all staff).

 

What Units will I cover on the course?

• Leadership styles
• Self-awareness
• Communication theories
• Team Building and motivation
• Coaching, culture and values
• Business analysis and project management
• Risk management and managing change
• Stakeholder relationships and engagement

 

The bespoke topics include:

• Mental toughness
• Understanding imposter syndrome
• Psychological safety and belonging
• Navigating the life stages of being a women
• Challenging barriers and seizing opportunities
• Negotiation and influence
• Gender inequality in today’s working environment

 

We will also thread University of Huddersfield principles and practices throughout, for example The Huddersfield Leader, PDPR, and EDI, ensuring it is relevant and practical. Sources of support for our women leaders will also be shared.

 

How long does the course take?

The course runs over 16 months. It starts in Spring next year. Sessions will be face to face and will take place around once a month. You will also have the opportunity to network, hear from women leaders, and to take part in panel discussions.

 

How much does the course cost?

The cost is free to you as it is funded under the Apprenticeship Levy. It is worth approximately £11,000, so is a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and professional development.

 

How is the course assessed?

The course is assessed through short assignments, and work product evidence. What is really great is that you will be working on a “real life” project that you and your manager decide on, and at the end of the course you present your project work.

 

Do I need to talk to my manager about the course?

Yes, of course, as you would with any other development opportunity.  Your manager is involved throughout with meetings with your coaches at SCL Professional, so they can hear how well you are doing, or if you need any additional support. They will also be involved in defining the project and its scope that you will be working on.  We invite managers to any of the course briefings too, so that they are aware of their role in supporting your professional development.

 

The Government rules:

As you may know, the Government has a number of requirements for people undertaking any apprenticeship. They are:

1. You need your Maths and English GCSEs before you start (or equivalent) or you can undertake them alongside your course, supported by fantastic tutors.
2. You need to be able to set aside 6 hours per week to work on your course. This must take place in work time.
3. Support from your manager in your professional development
4. Work more than 30 hours per week.

 

If I am interested, what do I do next?

Please register your interest in attending an information/briefing session for further details and the opportunity to ask questions and clarify anything. Email: people@hud.ac.uk Please invite your manager too. The meeting will be in Teams and will be run by SCL Professional.

 

If you aren’t a manager yet, please don't despair. There is a wonderful Team Leader qualification you can do. If you are male and interested in achieving a Level 5 in Operations/Departmental Manager then you can join an open programme, run by our trusted colleagues in SCL.  For further information contact Helen Connor in People and Organisational Development.

Thank you

 h.connor@hud.ac.uk.