Boardroom Apprentice Invites Applicants to #GetonBoard
Twelve-month board learning, development and placement programme, UK Boardroom Apprentice, is encouraging applications from across North Kent until the 14th November 2022.
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 16+, and all backgrounds and abilities. 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 Boardroom Apprentice.
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must not have held a board position on a public-sector body or have gained experience on private, voluntary, community or social enterprise boards.
Former Boardroom Apprentice, Sarah Fraser, says, “After returning to work after maternity leave during Covid-19, I wanted to be able to give something back to my local community but felt I lacked the confidence, skills (and years of experience!) to be able to serve on a public board. I knew I had a lot of valuable knowledge and experience but wasn’t sure how this fitted in with the structure of the public sector and their boards and thought I needed 20+ years’ experience to be able to serve.
“The boardroom apprentice program has not only demystified the public appointments process but has also helped me find my voice again and given me the skills and confidence to know that as a young working mother I can make a difference.”
Since its inception in 2017, the scheme has seen 277 individuals across Northern Ireland embark on their Boardroom Apprentice journey.
Eileen Mullan, Boardroom Apprentice Founder, adds, “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.
“I would encourage anyone in North Kent who is eligible and aspires to serve on a board in the public or third sector to apply.”
Sue Gray, from the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, comments, “It is a pleasure to support the UK Boardroom Apprentice programme.
“This fab initiative will enable a wider diversity of individuals to play their part within boardrooms across the UK, bringing new insights and an important breadth of perspectives. It will also allow people who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to join a board, to do so and ultimately, make a difference to public life.
“We would invite anyone in North Kent who may be eligible, to apply for this fantastic opportunity.”
Simon Dudley, Chair of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation Board, encourages applicants to the Corporation: ‘This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for individuals interested in gaining experience in serving on a public sector Board, as well as an opportunity for our Board to benefit from new and diverse perspectives to our plans, work and challenges we face.
Our Board comprises 11 members with a wide variety of skills and experience, and we are confident our members can provide a supportive platform to aid skill development and knowledge for the successful applicant.
As we enter a busy year for the Corporation, we are confident that there will be opportunity to make a real difference whilst participating in a wide range of programmes that have gained national interest and support from Government. We look forward to receiving applicants and hopefully welcoming an apprentice to our organisation in due course.’
To apply for the UK Boardroom Apprentice, visit: Boardroom Apprentice