Apprentice Case Studies - Nik Lee

Nik works in Red Kite View our Children and Young Peoples’ Mental Health Service (CYPMHS) inpatient unit for West Yorkshire. He undertook a MSc Management Practice and the Senior Leader Master's Degree Apprenticeship (SLMDA) Programme.

Why you chose your apprenticeship?

I chose the MSc Management Practice and SLMDA Apprenticeship to help develop my management and leadership skills and support my progression as a senior leader. I am a mental health nurse by background and have a degree in child and adolescent mental health. Still, I wanted to expand my knowledge in management practice and improve my business skills to combine with my clinical skills from my previous work.

Was there any decision between the apprenticeship route and any other route?
Completing the MSc Management Practice and SLMDA Apprenticeship has allowed me to complete the Master’s programme and become a Chartered Manager with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the highest status that can be achieved in the management and leadership profession. I have also worked with leaders from other sectors nationally and internationally, which has helped broaden my horizon and bring perspective to my work.

What has been your proudest achievement on your apprenticeship to date?

My proudest achievement has been completing the course and successfully opening Red Kite View simultaneously. I had to complete an Integrated Development Project for the two years I was on the course. The focus of my project was Red Kite View, so combining these objectives and having them connected in this way has helped me complete them both effectively.

How do you see your apprenticeship helping you in your career progression?

The apprenticeship has helped me develop the additional skills and knowledge I need to progress further and positively impact services for children and young people on a wider scale.

What would your advice be to anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

Go for it!