As part of National Apprenticeship Week Capella caught up with Diane Sudlow, who's just completed the Level 6 Improvement Leader apprenticeship and is one of the first learners in the country to complete this programme.
Diane is the Business Improvement Manager for the Mission Systems business within Babcock.
My career in Continuous Improvement
"While working as an engineer at my previous company I was given the chance to train as a Green Belt. I found that I really enjoyed Continuous Improvement, and so I trained as a Black Belt and moved into a full-time improvement role. That was 15 years ago, and I am now responsible for the implementation of CI in an organisation of around 1500 people. This is why I sought out new skills in CI strategy and leadership, which the Level 6 Master Black Belt apprenticeship has given me".
Why an Apprenticeship?
"The Level 6 Improvement Leader Apprenticeship is very new, with fewer than 10 people having completed the programme in the UK. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in this innovative new approach to Improvement training. By attending a cohort of delegates from other companies and industries I also learned a great deal about how CI is implemented and managed elsewhere and have met some great people along the way".
Skills for Life
"Before joining this programme I hadn’t fully appreciated that Apprenticeships can be completed at any point in your career and that they really can give you skills for life, whatever stage of life you are at. I would encourage anyone to consider an Apprenticeship as a fun and valuable way of developing your skills and capabilities. I have gained many new skills which I am now putting into practice and setting a new direction for Continuous Improvement in my business".
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