We spoke with Amy Mumby, Director of Online and Flexible Learning about the exciting new apprenticeship opportunities at the Lincoln International Business School (LIBS)…
LIBS: Welcome, Amy Mumby, Director of Online and Flexible Learning! The Business School is expanding its apprenticeship offering, which is exciting news, to include Project Management and Supply Chain Leadership as well as the existing Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship and Senior Leader Apprenticeship. Let’s delve deeper into how these benefit employers, especially considering today’s business landscape.
Amy: Thank you for having me! Our work environment is continuously evolving, and responsible management of these areas is crucial for long-term sustainable success.
- Leadership: Initiates the value adding strategic and operational process, through creation of inclusive, high performance work cultures. In an increasingly multifaceted working world, effective leadership protects the workforce and its resources. For example, consider the changes in the place of work, be it from home or a high risk environment, effective leadership facilitates those strategic and operational processes in an effective manner. Apprenticeships offer a method to develop leaders who foster collaboration and communication teams, regardless of location and distance between members. They’ll learn alongside experienced leaders who can guide to use the skills required to maintain competitiveness, communicate, collaborate and coordinate to enable a safe and trusted climate, improving retention and efficiency while reducing dissonance, a major challenge for many organisations today.
- Project Management: The number of project types and lengths continues to multiply, with many operations mangers balancing a wide range of projects. A gap of project management skills has been identified across the local region and beyond. Apprenticeships equip operations, and project managers with the skills critical for organisations, proving them with the ability to manage and lead multi-skilled, cross-disciplinary teams and/or resources within time, cost and quality requirements. They’ll gain experience in risk management, governance, project management methods and techniques and develop understanding of how projects are managed within a larger programme or organisational context, these skills and behaviours provide a vital expertise for mitigating unexpected disruptions – something all businesses have faced recently.
- Supply Chain: In the post COVID-19 era supply chain management has become a focus for management and has emerged from the shadows as a core function for all organisations. Indeed, disruption in the supply chain such as the closure of the Suez Canal, the disruption of shipping in the Red Sea, war in Europe and ongoing natural disasters has seen supply chain management become an essential tool for the building of resilience not only in individual organisations but across value chains. In simple terms, supply chain management has now become a prominent feature of everybody’s lives.
Conversely though the recruitment and development of supply chain managers is still a challenge for many organisations. For many years professional bodies like the CILT have focused on creating a professional pathway for individuals to develop their careers. Yet, we see limited engagement of young people entering the profession and progressing on to the senior management roles. The apprenticeship offers an ideal opportunity to bridge the gap between the need for the development of people within the supply chain and the need to grow professionals to create the aspired for resilient, efficient, and effective supply chain. After all, despite being process driven supply chain resilience is about enabling the individual within the supply chain to create relationships across that value network so they resolve the unexpected external contingent event.
LIBS: You make some very relevant points, Amy – what about the rise of sustainable supply chains. How do apprenticeships address this?
Amy: Absolutely! Apprenticeships not only equip future supply chain professionals with the skills to deliver efficiently, but also instil a strong sense of responsible management. The program emphasises building a sustainable supply chain while meeting customer needs within an ethical framework.
LIBS: Interesting. Can you elaborate on that framework?
Amy: This involves exploring technologies like digital twins, additive manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 principles to create a more efficient and eco-friendly operation.
LIBS: And beyond the environment, how do apprenticeships benefit the supply chain workforce?
Amy: They’re a fantastic way to bring new talent into an industry that’s facing a skills gap. Apprenticeships offer a structured learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge with real-world application. They’re supported by mentors, giving apprentices the tools and experience to succeed.
LIBS: In essence, apprenticeships create a well-rounded supply chain professional – someone who can deliver efficiently, sustainably, and ethically.
Amy: Exactly! They learn to deliver the right product to the right customer at the right time and cost, all while considering the environmental and social impact. It’s a win-win for businesses and the planet.
LIBS: Those are all real-world challenges organisations and businesses face. How do apprenticeships address them in a practical way?
Amy: Apprenticeships offer a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and on-the-job experience. They’ll learn essential skills in a classroom setting be that virtual or in person, immediately applying them to real-world projects under the guidance of experienced professionals. Sharing experiences with other apprentices from a range of industry backgrounds, public and private sectors, supports a multi-disciplinary approach. This approach ensures they’re prepared to tackle current industry challenges, an awareness of wider opportunities and constraints, including delivering a long-term responsible and sustainable operational strategy, from day one, for the specialist organisational function within which they work. Experience tell us this blend of multi-disciplinary and specific application is exceptionally powerful for both the apprentice and employer.
LIBS: Excellent points. Is there anything else employers should consider?
Amy: Apprenticeships are an investment in your organisations future, supporting recruitment, retention and effectiveness. You’re enabling loyal and skilled employees who deeply understand your business and its commitment. This can lead to increased innovation, productivity, and overall business success, while also contributing to a more responsible future. While off the job (OTJ) requirements can be seen as a hinderance, the reality is well designed training plans, benefit the organisation holistically, for example the potential to provide projects with direct and immediate benefit.
LIBS: Fantastic insights, Amy. Apprenticeships sound like a strategic move for any company looking to grow and thrive in today’s dynamic environment.
Amy: Absolutely! They’re a win-win for employers and future talent, building an engaged, resilient, and innovative workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Speak to our team to find out how we can help you find the right apprenticeship for you, email us on askwbdl@lincoln.ac.uk