Ujjwal Bharadwaj is an apprentice on the 18-month Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship programme at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU). Here, Ujjwal shares insights into his career at TWI, his areas of expertise, and the valuable skills he intends to acquire through taking part in the apprenticeship programme.
Hi Ujjwal, tell us about yourself
Hi, I’m Ujjwal Bharadwaj, I’m 53 years old, and a Technology Innovation Management Section Manager at TWI Ltd, in Cambridge, UK. I lead a team dedicated to creating value through technological innovation within an ecosystem of solution seekers, solution providers, and various other stakeholders.
Why did you decide to take up the apprenticeship course?
I wanted to keep innovating by acquiring new knowledge and applying it in my professional and personal life. I have taken part in many courses in the past, and TWI sponsored my doctorate back in 2005, so I’m very passionate about lifelong and continued learning.
How has it helped your career so far? Have you been able to put learnings into practice in the job?
I have found better ways of interacting with colleagues and conducting business. I love everything about the programme, but the Financial Decision-Making module has proven particularly useful in my day-to-day job, and this module has given me a different perspective. Certain areas of the The Dynamic Leadership for Organisations module have also provided me with the capability to self-learn and reflect on situations that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I’m currently one year into the programme, and I’m due to graduate next year.
What feedback have you had from your company on your apprenticeship – have they been able to see the benefit that you’ve brought back to the role?
The feedback from my mentor has been very positive, and there is recognition of the additional value that I bring into whatever I do. I manage a diverse and multi-cultural team, and I’m actively working on more complex projects as a result of taking part in the programme.
What’s been the best moment of the course so far?
The course has enabled me to structure my thoughts on some basic aspects that one might lose sight of in the day-to-day activities: where I am, where I need to go, how to get there and how to measure my progress. Another key highlight is the interaction with others in the cohort and learning from their perspectives. I’m also a part of the course book club, and I’ve signed up to be a member of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI), so there’s a real sense of community.
How do you balance work, study, and personal life while pursuing your apprenticeship?
It’s definitely a challenge. Everyone has their own approach, and mine is to take time off each day rather than blocking out half days in my schedule. After completing my regular tasks each day, I set aside a specific amount of time to work on my assignments.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Go for it, no matter what stage you're at in your career. The course is designed to support and benefit you.
About the Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship
The Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship at DMU is designed to equip aspiring leaders with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary for senior management roles. The course blends academic study with practical experience, focusing on strategic leadership, financial management, innovation, and organisational change. It aims to develop well-rounded leaders who can drive their organisations forward in a competitive business environment. This programme is aligned to the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship standard, designed by employers in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
On successful completion of the course, Apprentices will achieve
- Level 7 Post graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Business Administration
- Level 7 Senior Leaders Apprenticeship
- Chartered Manager status (CMgr) through End Point Assessment with the CMI
- Membership of the Chartered Management Institute (MCMI), subject to subscription
The next cohort of the programme is due to start in October 2024. To find out more, click here.
Posted on Tuesday 23 July 2024