Apprenticeship Insight: Senior Leadership MBA

It’s National Apprenticeship Week from 5^th to 11^th February 2024. Apprenticeships help shape successful careers and develop businesses across a large and diverse range of sectors. At RE we are passionate about the wide range of apprenticeship opportunities we provide that allow our individuals to grow.

To celebrate the week, we spoke with our inspirational Hereford Branch Manager Jasmine Fortey, who is currently completing her Level 7 Senior Leadership MBA. She gave us some insight into the course she is studying, the skills she has developed and what she enjoys about working at RE.

How long have you worked at RE?

“I started in 2015 – so just over 9 years.”

Tell us about your MBA.

“It covers so much! Fundamentally I’ve received in-depth financial training and learnt how to enhance and measure financial performance. I now know how to understand financial statements and develop strategies to improve upon performance financially. I have learnt about lean operations and a variety of analytical tools, plus methods for benchmarking a business against competitors using a variety of competitor analysis tools.

I have also completed modules on leadership styles including carrying out an independent reflection on my own personal style, plus I have completed a marketing module where I developed a marketing strategy for a mock company. The simulation-based programme enabled us to test our theories and understand how market conditions and consumer buying behaviours can impact performance.”

What have you enjoyed learning the most on your MBA?

“The course has taught me the theory that I need to implement the best leadership practices within my branch and a variety of different disciplines to understand a business as a full function. It has helped me to understand the best way to get the most out of my team, by understanding their motivations, coaching needs, and the way they learn best through learning styles.”

What are the benefits of working at RE Recruitment?

“We have a great office in Hereford, with long-standing consultants who we have worked alongside for several years. I can pick up the phone to our Senior Team and offer suggestions that do get considered. I was allowed to develop my education through our great training manager. She often supports the development and training of my team, as well as my development as a manager.

There are always opportunities for in-house training, including Linked In personal branding, management training, HR training, negotiation skills, sales training, and various others. These are very industry-specific and company-specific and have helped develop my skills.

I love that career progression and apprenticeships are available here.”

Why did you choose RE?

“I originally came from a driving agency and had nowhere to go in terms of progression. RE Recruitment offered an attractive salary and progression opportunities.”

Tell us about a typical day.

“A typical day as a manager is not the same, I can be coaching and supporting my teams through difficult challenges, to a week later celebrating huge successes. Recruitment is fast-paced and requires constant commercial awareness and an in-depth understanding of your client, their culture, and their requirements – coupled with excellent industry knowledge and company-specific news.

Recruitment fluctuates so rapidly, therefore sales and attracting new clients is a vital part of my role, as well as nurturing existing clients to develop long-term relationships based on credibility. I enjoy meeting people at networking events and attend these as often as possible.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

“I would like to see myself as an established manager or involved in development and training. I enjoy learning, so teaching and coaching are two of the most enjoyable duties of my current role.”

What is your favourite part of your job?

“The best part of my job is my team, we are so supportive of each other and trust each other. Working in a team where you value and respect everyone is vital for a thriving team dynamic. I love seeing the hard work they put in and celebrating their wins.”

Learn more about a career at RE here.

Learn more about the Level 7 Senior Leadership course here.