Fostering Life-Long Skills: Ashridge's trainees develop proficiencies for future endeavors
Revamped Article:
Getting a leg up on the future with the power of innovation! That's what we're all about at our website during National Apprenticeship Week. Today's focus: Skills that last a lifetime. How do we empower individuals for a prosperous, long-term career? And how do our apprenticeships provide employers with a workforce ready for the future? Transferable skills, often dubbed the 'human' skills, are what make us humans shine over AI.
Cultivating essential competencies like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial for success in any field or department. Plus, at higher levels, fostering a mindset that can harness disruption and recognize the opportunities and threats it presents. A mindset that's always innovating, taking fresh approaches to problems, and using AI in a way that enhances our capabilities. Human leadership is our ace in the hole. That's why our apprenticeships incorporate modules including Innovation, Strategy, Leading Change, and Leading for the Future.
Want a sneak peek at these critical topics in action? We recently dropped by our website's Ashridge campus for a peek into a couple of classes on the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship. Here's what we stumbled upon...
Design Thinking Workshop with Prof. Victoria Harrison-Mirauer
First stop: Prof. Victoria's Innovation class, where apprentices were diving into a Design Thinking challenge and prototyping solutions in the afternoon.
Industry Insight: Why is innovation such a vital component for leaders today?
Prof. VHM: Innovation is the be-all and end-all for leaders right now. We're surrounded by massive disruption, mainly technological. In a world where the future of work is a mash-up between humans and machines, organizations like the World Economic Forum believe that humanity's future hinges on our ability to continue innovating and staying creative. Innovation and creativity go hand in hand. Driving innovation is of enormous importance to leaders. It's the engine of growth and competitive advantage for businesses and the spice of life.
User Perspective: How does Victoria share her innovation expertise with her apprentices?
Prof. VHM: I'm all about practical application. I've got almost 30 years in innovation under my belt, so I try to bring that real-world knowledge into my lessons. People learn by doing. That's why our whole pedagogy at our website revolves around experiential learning. And that's precisely what we're doing today with the Design Thinking exercise. It's about how you can bring innovation into your own work and practice.
Apprentice Testimonials:
Sallie Martin, Business Change/Engagement Lead, UK Hydrographic Office:
The Innovation module enables us to take our transformations a step further and focus on customer behavior. It's all about identifying unmet customer needs, helping us design products that push boundaries and change the way we operate in the future.
Katie Griffiths, Head of Engagement, Communications & Business Transformation, the Institute of Osteopathy:
This Design Thinking workshop has given me fresh ideas to take back to my company on how we can approach problem-solving differently and create new solutions.
Why do we need to focus on the future of work? Because it's right here! We can't ignore it. Future-proofing our skills and knowledge is vital. And to do that, we head to Dr. Frederick Holscher's class, where he's aiming to turn the group into a 'Super Learning Team.' A collaborative effort between AI and 'HI' (human intelligence), apprentices will develop essential skills for the new world of work: curiosity (asking questions), critical thinking, and applying knowledge in real-world situations. This immersive, three-day experience will leave them prepared to take these skills back and transform their workplaces and teams.
Class with Dr. Frederick Holscher
Teaching Approach: So, you call yourself more of a facilitator than a teacher?
Prof. FH: I don't like to use the word 'teacher' anymore. It's about sharing knowledge and engaging in meaningful dialogue. I create a platform for discussion and ask questions. I learn as much from the apprentices as they learn from me because we've created a dynamic exchange of ideas.
Apprentice Perspective:
Valerie Elderkin, Head of Midwifery at NHS:
Frederick is very conversational. He introduces new concepts that keep us alert, engaged, and thinking about new things and encourages us to explore those further.
Adam Watson, Head of Commercial at Nuffield Health:
It's not just a traditional teacher-student relationship. It's about challenging ourselves, growing, taking walks in the woods, and making the most of Ashridge's beautiful grounds.
The Importance of the Future of Work:
Prof. FH: Because it's all around us. It touches us personally, our society, politics. We need to embrace it, not shy away. Our mindset and the way we think are what will drive change. And I believe that the solutions to the new world of work don't come from outside but from within. By fostering human creativity and critical thinking, we can prevail amidst the transformations.
Skills Gained from Class:
Patrick Dawkes, Head of Trading - Hospitals & Primary Care at Nuffield Health:
We learn about frameworks and tools to help shape our thinking but also give time for practical examples and how things might work in our businesses. Frederick has spent time understanding our businesses and our roles within them, ensuring our learning is applicable to our current role and relevant for the future.
Adam Watson, Head of Commercial at Nuffield Health:
We dive deep into the use of large language models and learn to ask more curious questions to better understand specific topics. It's about being more curious and using these tools to find the right questions and follow-up queries rather than just accepting the first answer.
Impact on Approach:
Prof. FH: Apprentices often tell me that they've changed the way they run their meetings. They're more focused, more engaged, and bring a keen human touch to the workplace. They also start to have conversations about diversity and inclusion and initiate new strategic discussions.
- In the realm of international business, innovation is considered a vital component for leaders, as it serves as the engine of growth and competitive advantage.
- The apprenticeship programs at the institution incorporate modules such as Innovation, Strategy, Leading Change, and Leading for the Future, focusing on fostering a mindset that can harness disruption and continuously innovate.
- Experiential learning is prioritized at the institution, allowing apprentices to apply their knowledge in real-world situations, such as during Design Thinking exercises, which aim to help them bring innovation into their own work and practice.
- Critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth are key elements of the future of work, and the classes led by Dr. Frederick Holscher aim to develop these skills in apprentices, enabling them to transform their workplaces and teams in a world where AI and human intelligence collaborate.
