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Organisers of a unique 12-month board learning, development and placement programme are calling on people from across the Midlands to apply for the next class of UK Boardroom Apprentices.

Following a successful first year in 2023 the UK Boardroom Apprentice returned to enable people 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. 

Boardroom Apprentice founder Eileen Mullan: “One of the important targets we have within the UK Boardroom Apprentice programme is to ensure that people from across the country get the opportunity to apply.

“That is why we are calling for people from across the Midlands to consider how they can best serve their community and the wider society by becoming a Boardroom Apprentice.”

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. 

Speaking of her experience, Nottingham based Boardroom Apprentice Opusdei Aghanenu, who was placed with the Heart of England Mencap said: “I like giving back and I like learning. The UK Boardroom Apprentice programme was the perfect way to do both of these things and develop my leadership skills on a more strategic level.

“It made sense to equip myself with the knowledge and skills that I would need to be on a board and also give myself that confidence that I belong in and can add value to a strategic leadership environment. I was excited to apply from that point onwards.

“Just apply, do it. Clearly, something piqued your interest and more than likely, you will absolutely love it, you’ll learn the skills you need, feel more confident in yourself and more competent to be on a board. Even if you find that it's not right for you, you will have gained valuable and transferable knowledge.''

Open to those aged 18 or over from all backgrounds and all abilities, the programme 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.

Ms Mullan explained: “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.”

Boardroom Apprentice prides itself on the support system in place for those taking part in the programme. Upon being assigned a host board, Boardroom Apprentices are paired with a Board Buddy who aids with their progression throughout the twelve-month experience, as well as being provided with a suite of learning days.

Ms Mullan added: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge, experience and support. 

“Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector in the future.

“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”

During the year, each Boardroom Apprentice has to attend eight learning days on topics such as finance, communication and governance along with the board placement on a board of their choice.

2023 UK Boardroom Apprentice, Kirsty-Marie Morris from Derbyshire, who was placed with the Regulator of Social Housing said the programme was a “transformative” experience.

She added: “It has very much changed me. On the first day, when we walked in, I was very much the girl who automatically would sit at the back of the room and hope for the walls to swallow me up.

“Within six months I had become an entirely different person.

“I stood on a stand this year promoting the UK Boardroom Apprentice - I never thought I would go up and actively try and find people and get them to talk to me. 

“I am very much a changed person. I’ve grown in confidence, my mindset has changed, and once you put yourself in that space of being uncomfortable, you learn so much more.

“Don’t listen to the little voice in your head. You will learn things that you didn’t think you would ever learn about yourself and go on to make a bigger difference than you thought you would.”

Applications for next year’s UK Boardroom Apprentice programme close on Monday October 2, 2023.

For more information on the UK Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com/uk and to find out more about how to apply, go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply