My journey through the Senior Leader Programme apprenticeship

Left to right: Deborah Walker, Julia Halpin, Kate Ganderton, Mymy Del Rosario, Kate Wright, Matt Ramskill, Senior Leader Programme apprentices from Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust (Cohort 2024-2026).

Great leadership in healthcare is about empowering teams, driving innovation, and ultimately enhancing patient care. As a Matron for Workforce, Inclusion, and Education in Adult Community Services, Mymy has always been passionate about a positive and inclusive working environment.

Undertaking an apprenticeship with the University of Huddersfield, to grow these skills Mymy shares her experiences on how this apprenticeship has blended learning with practical leadership development, and why she believes it’s a valuable step for any healthcare professional looking to make a difference.

Embarking on the Senior Leader Programme apprenticeship has been a truly transformative experience, challenging me to rethink my approach to leadership and implement real, impactful change.

Now at the halfway point of my journey, I’ve already seen how this programme is shaping my ability to lead more effectively, support my colleagues, and contribute to a culture that prioritises both staff wellbeing and exceptional patient care.

This apprenticeship is much more than an academic course, it’s a dynamic blend of learning and practical leadership development. It covers L responsible leadership and people engagement, strategy and innovation, and operational decision-making, all designed to address the unique challenges within the NHS. Throughout my learning, interactive workshops and reflective practices have pushed me to reassess my perspectives and adopt innovative leadership strategies that are applicable in my role.

Even at this mid-point in my apprenticeship, I’ve witnessed how the skills I’m acquiring are encouraging a positive cycle of empowerment. By enhancing workforce development strategies, I’m not only supporting staff to feel more valued, but I am also ensuring that they deliver more compassionate, consistent, and high-quality care to patients. This approach underlines the belief that a motivated team translates into improved patient outcomes.

Moving forward there’s still so much more to learn, yet the progress so far has been profoundly encouraging. Every new insight has provided me with tools to tackle complex leadership challenges, enhancing my confidence and purpose. As I continue this journey, I’m excited about the potential to blend strategic thinking with everyday practice.

If you’re a healthcare professional considering the Senior Leader Programme apprenticeship, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. This journey isn’t just about professional advancement, it’s about shaping the future of patient care while nurturing a team that thrives.