Established in 2017 by Eileen Mullan, the Boardroom Apprentice programme is a UK first 12-month board learning, development and placement programme for those who aspire to sit on a public or third sector board.
Since it started, the unique opportunity has helped change the course of over 200 Boardroom Apprentices begin their boardroom journey.
From improving their confidence to helping change within their communities, taking part in the programme can be an extremely rewarding adventure.
So, if you still haven’t started your application for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice, here are five reasons why you should start now:
1. Help develop your own skills by learning from others
Any opportunity that gets you in the same room to learn from others should be seized with both hands.
Each Boardroom Apprentice gets to complete a compulsory boardroom placement alongside a suite of learning days.
This invaluable experience with your chosen host board means you can observe how they tackle problems, how they carry out certain tasks, how they weigh up potential risks, even how they interact with other people and absorb from them.
2. Board roles can establish and grow your network
During the 12 months, you will meet and get to know a broad range of people from all all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
From fellow Boardroom Apprentices to your host board peers, you will have the chance to connect with committed and passionate individuals during your time on the Boardroom Apprentice programme.
Also, as you work closely with your fellow host board members and Boardroom Apprentices tackling sometimes difficult issues that may require high levels of cooperation and teamwork, you will establish strong bonds that can often lead to genuine friendships.
3. Help make a real difference
For most Boardroom Apprentices, the main benefit of sitting on a board is that it allows you to make a real difference either in your community or on a national scale.
Taking part in the programme’s learning days will ensure you are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to go on and sit on a board which has the power to spark change in society, which is hugely rewarding and makes the significant investment in time and energy worth it.
When choosing your top 3 host boards to sit on, you can join the board of a organisation that particularly interests you or help support an issue close to your heart.
4. Boards want fresh and diverse perspectives
In order to accurately represent the communities across Northern Ireland, boardrooms need diverse people to share their expertise and lived experience.
Now more than ever, boards are looking beyond CEOs and Chief Executives which have been the traditional choice for board roles for many decades.
With the help of the Boardroom Apprentice programme and their host boards, the opportunity now exists for boards across Northern Ireland to l be filled with next generation of leaders that are fully reflective of the communities they serve.
5. Money can’t buy learning days
Led by the Boardroom Apprentice Founder Eileen Mullan and other experts in their field you will attend monthly learning days to gain a knowledge and understanding.
From governance to finance, you will be taught skills outside of your comfort zone to equip you holistically in not just knowing what a board does, but how to be a great board member.