Boardroom Apprentice applications now open

Meeting

Applications for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice programme are now open and available on the official Boardroom Apprentice website.

The Northern HSC Trust is an active participant in the programme and has welcomed various Apprentices over the last number of years.

Open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and all abilities, this unique board learning and development programme is looking for a diverse range of Boardroom Apprentices to take a seat at one of 58 host boards, including the Northern Trust Trust Board, and attend a suite of learning days throughout the year.

Anyone interested in more information or in applying to become a Boardroom Apprentice can visit the programme website.  Applications must be received by Tuesday 24th May at 3:00pm

Founded by Eileen Mullan in 2017, the programme is now in its sixth year and has helped 223 individuals across Northern Ireland make their aspiration of sitting on a board a reality whilst helping to diversify boardrooms in the public and third sector.

Eileen Mullan, Boardroom Apprentice founder, said: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge and understanding, experience and support. Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector.

“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift. You get the programme as a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”

With support from the Department of Finance, the Boardroom Apprentice provides apprentices with the opportunity to expand their skill set through a suite of learning days on topics such as finance, governance and communication.

Boardroom Apprentice Nikita Brijpaul believed his time in the 2019 programme was just the beginning of his journey.

“It is exceptionally important in encouraging particularly women and ethnic minorities,” he said, adding: “The programme acts as a springboard for those seeking to go on to serve on boards.

“It gives underrepresented groups the self-belief and self confidence that is integral. I think all boards wish to see more diversity however it’s exceedingly difficult to recruit, without the support and encouragement of the likes of Boardroom Apprentice.”

2017 Boardroom Apprentice Brendan Morrissey felt that his expectations of the learning days were exceeded and thanks to them, he was able to enhance his skills further.

“My expectations of the learning days were exceeded as it just blew my mind in terms of how much I learned and how much I developed.

19th May 2022

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