By Leigh Draper – Marketing and Customer Care Manager
The Start of My Leadership Development Journey
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Professional development can take many forms, but for me, one of the most significant milestones in my career was completing the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship in Business Administration, funded through HCA Healthcare UK and delivered by Aston University through its AstonEDGE leadership development framework.
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I was proud to achieve a Merit whilst balancing a demanding leadership role within HealthTrust Europe. More importantly, the experience challenged me to think differently about leadership, strategy and organisational performance, providing valuable insights that continue to shape my work today.
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The apprenticeship also sparked a passion for continuous learning, ultimately leading me to continue my studies through an MBA at Aston University.
“The greatest value of the programme was not simply the qualification itself. It was the confidence, perspective and opportunities it created.” – Leigh Draper
Learning Beyond the Qualification
Although the apprenticeship resulted in a qualification in Business Administration, the programme was much more than a traditional business course.
Through AstonEDGE, Aston University combined academic learning with practical leadership development, encouraging participants to apply their learning directly within their organisations. The programme covered a broad range of subjects, including:
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Strategic leadership
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Organisational performance
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Customer value
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Financial management
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Innovation and digital transformation
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Organisational behaviour and change
What I valued most was the opportunity to use live business challenges as the focus for assignments and projects. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of stepping back from day-to-day operations to think strategically.
The programme challenged me to consider not just what organisations do, but why they do it and how their activities support long-term objectives.
From Apprenticeship Assignment to Published Research
One of the most rewarding outcomes of the programme came from an optional module focused on digital transformation and emerging technologies.
As part of the module, I explored the risks associated with digital transformation and the growing adoption of artificial intelligence within organisations. The research examined how organisations can embrace innovation whilst maintaining effective governance, accountability and risk management practices. What began as an academic assignment evolved into a published paper presented at FEMIB 2023, focusing on the risk management of digital transformation and AI within the digital economy.
Having research published was a proud moment and demonstrated the practical value that apprenticeship learning can create. It also ignited a long-term interest in AI, digital transformation, governance and organisational resilience; topics that are increasingly important for organisations operating in a rapidly changing environment.
Why I Believe in Apprenticeships
Although the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship is no longer available, I remain a strong advocate for apprenticeship programmes. My own experience demonstrates that apprenticeships can provide far more than a qualification.
They create opportunities to gain academic knowledge, develop practical skills and make meaningful contributions within the workplace. That belief has influenced the way I develop talent within my own team
Since completing my apprenticeship, I have successfully recruited two Customer Care colleagues through apprenticeship pathways. Both are currently undertaking their Level 2 Customer Care qualifications, gaining valuable workplace experience whilst developing their professional skills and knowledge.
Watching them grow in confidence and capability has reinforced my belief that apprenticeships are one of the best ways to develop future talent.
For colleagues who may be interested in exploring development opportunities, I would strongly recommend speaking with the People Team to find out which apprenticeship and learning programmes are currently available.
Continuing the Journey
Completing the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship with a Merit was a significant achievement, but it was not the end of my learning journey.
The experience inspired me to continue developing my knowledge and leadership capabilities through an MBA at Aston University, building on the foundations established through the apprenticeship.
Looking back, the greatest value of the programme was not simply the qualification itself. It was the confidence, perspective and opportunities it created. From learning strategic leadership skills, to publishing research on AI and digital transformation, to supporting the development of new apprentices within my own team, the experience has shaped both my career and my approach to leadership.
The apprenticeship may have ended, but the learning continues. In a world of constant change, the ability to remain curious, adaptable and committed to continuous development is perhaps the most valuable lesson of all.
Stay tuned for more stories from colleagues across HealthTrust Europe.
