Amy Taylor, assurance and compliance lead in the Governance team has called her apprenticeship '100% worth it' after completing the NCA’s Front Line Leadership and Management Apprenticeship.
The course provides leaders with the practical knowledge, abilities, and confidence to become an effective and inclusive leader. Here Amy talks about her experiences and what lessons she has learnt on her journey.
"I started the course in September 2023 as a development opportunity as I wanted to move into a management role in the future. I was not in a leadership role and had minimal experience which I thought would hinder me but as I progressed in my learning I was able to build my knowledge and observe skills and behaviours in the leaders around me.
"A huge part of the course is reflection, this was not something I was familiar with or particularly enjoyed at first! I am normally thinking at 100 miles an hour, so to stop and reflect on my performance or behaviour was really difficult. I quickly came to love it as I saw how I was able to grow and improve by taking stock every once in a while. I’ve learnt how to respond rather than react and to take a step back and let others share their views.
"I completed my course in January this year and achieved a distinction grade which I am overjoyed about. I was also successful in gaining a promotion into a lead role and have line management responsibilities for the first time.
"I felt confident and prepared for both my end point assessment and my job interview thanks to the support and encouragement of my tutor Claire. She truly set me up for success, as did the apprenticeship content and assessments over the last 16 months. I now have a bank of knowledge and skills at my disposal to become a caring and inspiring leader and to show appreciation to my team and colleagues across the NCA.
"If you are thinking about joining the apprenticeship, do it! You won’t regret it and although juggling your day to day responsibilities with learning is hard, the confidence and sense of achievement you gain is 100% worth it."
Apprenticeships are open to all! All ages. All sectors. All levels. All backgrounds. If you are employed at the NCA we have apprentices in pharmacy, HR, healthcare sciences, clinical sector, digital and technology, procurement and supply, management estates and facilities, e.g. catering, electrical, plumbing and many more. For information please email apprenticeships@nca.nhs.uk
