A team leader apprenticeship is a practical way for professionals to build recognised leadership skills while continuing to make an impact at work. James, a New Facilities Readiness Leader at Siemens Healthineers, is currently completing a Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management with Oxford Professional Education. In this case study, James shares what his role involves, why he chose an apprenticeship route and what he has gained so far.
Can you tell us a bit about your role and the apprenticeship you’re currently completing?
I’m a New Facilities Readiness Leader, responsible for designing and delivering agile training packages for new starters and existing employees. My work spans technical areas such as ancillaries, magnet testing, and pre-shipping procedures, and I combine written materials, visual aids, and hands-on instruction to build capability across the team.
Alongside this, I support new factory initiatives, conduct workstation reviews, attend factory acceptance tests, and collaborate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
I’m currently completing a Team Leader Level 3 (TL L3) Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management, which complements my role by strengthening my formal knowledge in learning and development, leadership, and structured training design. It helps me refine the systems and processes I already use day-to-day.
What made you choose an apprenticeship?
I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted structured, recognised development that aligned with the work I was already passionate about. I’ve always been committed to building capability in others, and the apprenticeship offered a way to deepen my expertise while continuing to contribute meaningfully to the business.
What were you hoping to gain when you first started your apprenticeship?
I wanted to strengthen my theoretical understanding of training design, leadership, and organisational development. My goal was to combine practical experience with formal frameworks so I could create even more effective, audit-ready, and operator-friendly training solutions.
How has your apprenticeship experience been so far?
It’s been rewarding, challenging, and genuinely transformative. The learning has helped me refine my approach to training, communication, and stakeholder engagement, and it’s given me new tools to support both new starters and experienced colleagues.
What does a typical day or week look like for you?
A typical week blends training delivery, content creation, and operational support. I might be designing a new training package, running cross-functional sessions, reviewing workstations, attending factory acceptance tests, or communicating training metrics to the team and senior management.
I also support safety culture as a recognised crane and pallet-truck instructor, and as a mental and physical first aider.
What’s been the most enjoyable part of your apprenticeship?
Seeing the direct impact of my learning in real time. When a training package lands well, or a colleague gains confidence because of something I’ve built or delivered, it reinforces why I chose this path.
What’s been the most challenging part, and how have you overcome it?
Balancing study with a demanding operational role has been the biggest challenge.
I’ve overcome it by planning carefully, being honest about my workload, and applying the same structured approach I use in my job, breaking tasks down, prioritising effectively, and staying consistent.
What new skills or knowledge have you gained since starting your apprenticeship?
I’ve strengthened my ability to identify and support the development of the team through informal coaching and continuous professional development.
I’ve also built stronger capability in change management and continuous improvement, including managing budgets, and negotiating with, challenging, and influencing stakeholders to drive change effectively while reducing conflict, all of which directly supports my training packages and factory readiness work.
How has the apprenticeship helped you develop both professionally and personally?
Professionally, it’s sharpened my ability to create high-quality, compliant, and engaging training while acting professionally, ethically, and with integrity.
Personally, it’s boosted my confidence, improved my time-management discipline, and reinforced my commitment to seeking learning opportunities and continuous professional development. It’s also helped me take accountability and ownership of my tasks and workload, while supporting others’ growth.
How have you found the support from Oxford Professional Education and your employer?
Both have been incredibly supportive. My training provider offers clear guidance and structured learning, while my employer gives me the space and opportunities to apply what I’m learning in real operational settings.
Do you feel more prepared for your future career now? Why?
Absolutely. The apprenticeship has strengthened both my technical and leadership capabilities, giving me a more structured foundation to support future progression in learning and development, operational readiness, or leadership roles.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Go for it. It’s a powerful way to gain recognised skills while applying them in real time.
Be prepared to work hard, stay organised, and embrace feedback, it’s worth it. If I can do it at my age (42), then so can you.
What would you say to employers thinking about taking on an apprentice?
Apprentices bring fresh perspectives, energy, and a strong desire to learn. Investing in them strengthens your workforce, builds capability, and supports long-term organisational growth.
Interested in developing your team through apprenticeships? Oxford Professional Education supports employers and individuals with apprenticeship training designed to build real workplace capability and confidence.