A message from Eileen
When I started out on my first Board, it was daunting and exciting in equal measures. I wasn’t sure what was expected of me, or in fact what contribution I could make. When I reflect back, there was no training provided, no support and certainly no opportunity to gain experience before I took the step as a fully signed up board member.
Since 2017, 439 individuals have embarked on their Boardroom Apprentice journey. Each one clear on their desire to serve and to play a part in public life. I created this to enable those who want to serve to learn to be able to do just that. For me, preparing people to take on these significant roles beforehand is the right and responsible thing to do.
The vision is simple, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality. Boardroom Apprentice is a 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain experience in a safe way before they take that step. It seeks to enable a wider diversity of individuals to play their part within boardrooms.
Allowing those without board experience, to gain experience and enhancing their knowledge and understanding through in-depth learning and support.
Boardroom Apprentice is about delivering diversity, creating change and achieving aspirations.
Northern Ireland Boardroom Apprentice is supported by The Executive Office. Creating an eclectic collaboration between the public and third sectors providing a wealth of skills, experience and knowledge which makes Boardroom Apprentice an incredibly unique initiative. This opportunity would not be possible without all those who come together to make it happen.
Notification on the next programme will be announced through our social media channels.
Be prepared, being a Boardroom Apprentice requires a significant personal commitment most of which will be during the working day and some in the evenings and weekends. If you are employed, you will need your employer’s full support to do this.
The criteria to apply is simple, but must be met in full. You will not be eligible if you have held a board position on a public or private sector board or have significant experience on a voluntary, community or social enterprise board.
You can hear from our previous Boardroom Apprentices sharing their experience and offering you some words of wisdom to help you consider whether Boardroom Apprentice is for you.
Boardroom Apprentice is open to all ages (above 18), all backgrounds and all abilities.
Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift. In return the expectation is that within 12 months of completing you will find and secure a seat at the board table of an organisation that matters to you. This means that you take the gift and then go on to give back and play your part.
If being on a Board, giving your time and sharing your skills is something you aspire to, then Boardroom Apprentice can help you to bridge that gap.
Eileen Mullan
Founder, Boardroom Apprentice
Boardroom Apprentice Impact Study
Measuring the Impact of Boardroom Apprentice provides clear evidence on how Boardroom Apprentice is achieving on its aims and how Boards are benefiting by recruiting former Boardroom Apprentices. Click on the link to view the digital summary.