Talent and Leadership Review

I am responsible for Leadership and Talent initiative at the AA. I work within Human Resources in Basingstoke. My day-to-day work is very varied with multiple projects. I get to work with many different stakeholders from across the business including insurance and roadside.

During my Senior Leader apprenticeship, I have learnt lots of new skills that have supported me in my job role. These include change management processes, strategy, operations management and marketing. The one module that I really enjoyed was 'finance and accounting' as it has enabled me to work more efficiently with budgets and understand the business P&L. I have also improved my interpersonal skills with senior stakeholders.

I have really enjoyed my programme and would recommend it to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship. It has enabled me to broaden my horizons and work with colleagues from different areas of my business as well as people from different companies. It has also given me a higher level of knowledge and skill which will support me on the next step of my career journey.

The teaching at Cranfield is great however the course administration and coordination could be improved. The modules are really well organised and there is a lot of resources to support you with your learning. My tutors have been great and have supported me throughout the process.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, in particular my line managers. Within my team, there is always someone that can support me. As part of my end apprenticeship project, I had many people across the business offering their time to give me information and support my initiative.

The courses are very well planned and the teaching is excellent. We also have a tutor that supports us with our portfolio and our work based apprenticeship project. We are also given a personal supervisor that supports with the thesis. In addition, they also have a learning support team who are able to help if you have additional needs e.g. dyslexia.

This qualification has helped me to perform better in my role. Throughout the two years, I was constantly reflecting on how to improve in my role. The new learning also supports me in being more innovative and look at different perspectives. Working with people from other businesses enables you to widen your network which helps with idea and experience exchanges.

Due to Covid-19 this is now very limited. There are Diversity and Inclusion networks that you can join and frequent team update calls. Prior to Covid-19 there were loads of extracurricular activities such as quizzes, Christmas markets, and competitions.

Yes

It is a company that supports people with their continued professional development. The AA also has ample opportunities to grow and develop. The people at the AA are lovely and are a real pleasure to work with. I generally love getting up every day and going to work. I also love and am proud to work for an iconic brand.

Be yourself. Make sure you prepare for the interview - know the AA values, history, and the reason why you want to work for the brand. It is also key to know what you will be bringing to the role over all the other candidates. Make sure you show yourself as someone that is passionate, enthusiastic with a can-do attitude!