Case Study

I currently work at Adient where I started as a temporary Production Operator. I then moved into many roles, including an Online Trainer, Logistics Analyst and Warehouse Supervisor. I’d undertaken internal training with the business over various positions but nothing formal like this apprenticeship. As a result of the MBA Senior Leader Apprenticeship I have now been promoted to Operations Manager.

My role involves the smooth running of all operations in the facility for around 150 full-time employees. I hold direct responsibility for production, materials and logistics, continuous improvement, and HSE departments. I’m also in charge of some of the financial elements of the business and the staff development. Balancing work and study has been difficult. However, the support of my manager and mentor has been immeasurable, alongside the academic support I received from my tutors at the University.

Personal circumstances like a house renovation, young children and a pregnant wife meant it was key to balance my work and studies along with a lot of self-discipline and support. The biggest challenge I faced was having zero academic experience prior to this programme. Impostor syndrome became apparent, and I compared myself to the rest of the group, who all had educational backgrounds and degrees. I questioned my sense of belonging. However, I stuck to being myself, things started to progress and it all worked out for the best in the end. This was also the case with academic writing. I used the support of the group and the teaching staff and quickly reached the required standard.

My apprenticeship has had a huge influence on my role at work. It has instilled a level of confidence that allows me to be comfortable in my role while growing and developing every day. Prior to studying the MBA, I never stopped and was en route to burning myself out. This course allowed me the headspace to slow down and become a more deliberate individual. It also enabled me to progress from department manager to a senior manager within the business.

Adient is now in the early stages of a leadership development model as part of the apprenticeship requirements which will have a long-lasting impact. So the apprenticeship has not only benefitted me and my career but also current and future employees of the business."

Published 7 November 2024