#NAW23: An Interview With...
Our National Apprenticeship Week interview series continues and, today, we share the insights and views of Kirsty Fryer, head of innovation at Wilmington Healthcare.
We really enjoyed talking to Kirsty to hear how she has embraced an MBA apprenticeship, and what she believes the benefits have been for her, and her career.
Thanks for your time Kirsty!
Q: Hi Kirsty, please can you tell us a little bit about your role and your background within the Wilmington group?
A: I work within Wilmington Healthcare as Head of Innovation. It’s a company that supports career progress and in in my 7.5 years with the business, I’ve had seven different jobs! I started as a researcher and moved to mid-level roles with aspirations to move to senior level. I took the decision to do a Senior Leader Apprenticeship, which got me an MBA and chartered management qualification, as I could see the benefits of this for me.
Q: What apprenticeship course are you completing?
A: The course is a senior leadership apprenticeship, level 7, which means I will have an MBA at the end. I really liked the idea of working to get this universally-recognised, chartered qualification, as it’s very credible.
Q: What have you found to be beneficial about the Apprenticeship?
A: I think it’s helped to set me up in my current role; I’ve been head of innovation for around four months now and it’s a big step-up. I think the course has really readied me for the multitude of responsibilities.?I manage a team, am responsible for building a culture, employee mentorship and this course has really helped give me confidence.?I’ve just signed-off for one of my team to now do an apprenticeship, and can offer advice from a personal perspective.
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Q: What has the course given you?
A: It’s given me an understanding of a breadth of topics; things I haven’t really encountered previously, for example a more in-depth understanding of finance, HR, operations, strategy. It’s taken me from a technical specialist to a technical and business specialist.?I had done a PhD before Wilmington (medical) and had always thought an MBA would give me the business focus, and this has.
Q: How have you balanced the apprenticeship with your working commitments?
A: I’ve had great support from my seniors.?I’ve also received a mentor as part of scheme, from the University, who have been really helpful with juggling. I picked Nottingham Trent as I live near by and so it made it more convenient for when I have to visit the university. For me, it’s around three days onsite every five weeks. To see the rewards is great and it’s really spurred me on; I’ve loved it and yes, at times it has been hard, however I’m also a little sad that it’s coming to an end soon.
Q: Aside from the qualification, what benefits has the apprenticeship bought to you personally?
A: I’ve created a fantastic network of people outside of Wilmington Healthcare at the University and so it’s been really helpful to get broader viewpoints for a diverse group.?I started my corporate career here so having an outside perspective is really beneficial.?It’s a network that I will always have going forward.??
My level of confidence has also grown. Innovation came up as part of the course and it’s what I did my dissertation on, so when the new head of innovation function came up, I was confidently able to explain myself and why I would be right for the role. It’s essentially given me the opportunity to take a further step up in my career here. I’m also able to bring my learnings to the company, so everyone benefits.
Q: What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?
A: I would say to take a look as it may open many new doors for you. If you’re feeling a little bit static in your current role, wondering what’s next, or perhaps you’re looking for a ‘why’ or purpose, this really is a great opportunity.?It’s made me see a world of opportunities out there.