Case study - Ben Ingamells on the Leeds Executive Leadership Apprenticeship

Ben Ingamells is the Senior Operations Manager at Covéa Insurance. He leads the company’s Policy department, covering customer service, sales, renewals and credit control across their full suite of insurance products.

Ben was looking for ways to support his development towards a senior leadership position by building on his existing knowledge and through his research, he found the Leeds Executive Leadership Level 7 Apprenticeship. He shares his experience here, describing how the programme has influenced his personal development.

Why did you choose to study at Leeds University Business School?

I thought the LUBS apprenticeship covered a range of interesting subjects that were relevant to my role. Learning to operate at a strategic level was one of the key areas I had highlighted as important for my development, and the content of their programme would give me a good grounding in strategic thinking and decision-making.

Leeds University Business School is regarded as one of the top higher education institutions in the world, so studying there would sit well on my CV.

The option of continuing my studies with an MSc uplift was another positive feature, as it allows me to access further qualifications through my apprenticeship.

How have the skills you have learned through this apprenticeship helped you as a leader?

The great thing about this apprenticeship has been the focus on balancing theoretical understanding, which has given me alternative perspectives and different ways of thinking about leadership, with a clear emphasis on the practical application of the theory. This has meant I have been able to take my new skills and apply them to my role straight away. I have become a more knowledgeable leader with more tools to add value to my team and my business.

What has the impact been on your personal development?

The apprenticeship has had such a positive impact on my development, and since starting the course, I have been promoted to a senior leadership position.

The skills I developed on the Executive Leadership apprenticeship led to an improved performance in my previous role, and throughout the application process for my current role, I was able to demonstrate my ability to shape strategy and lead teams on a wider scale.

My new skills and knowledge have also enabled me to get involved in Group-wide projects, furthering my development and allowing me to add even more value across the wider business.

What has your experience been like studying at Leeds University Business School? 

I have found LUBS to be well-organised and professional from the start. I have been able to access to all of the course content easily through the online portal, and I have found the quality of the teaching to be excellent. All of my tutors have been approachable and friendly, and have been able to combine their deep understanding of theory and technical knowledge with decades of industry experience to bring the course content to life. 

Throughout the apprenticeship, have you felt supported? 

I have always felt supported, from the application phase to this very day. There is an adjustment period and initial learning curve with the requirements of the course and finding your way around the online content, but I have always found that the skills coaches have been supportive and responsive.

Has your experience widened your network of contacts?

I chose to study an apprenticeship rather than a one-off individual qualification so that I would be part of a cohort of people learning together. Through this cohort, I have met great people with a wealth of different perspectives and experiences across a wide range of industries. I have loved hearing about their career journeys and how they are applying the learning to their jobs. This combined with the relationships I have built with the module tutors, means I have built a wider network that I know will be a great additional benefit beyond the course.

Would you recommend the apprenticeship to other businesses in your network?

I have already recommended the course to people within my own business, and I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship to other businesses too.

For people with the drive to learn, who are looking to accelerate their development towards a senior leadership position, I think the Executive Leadership apprenticeship provides a great standard of education and a solid framework to build rounded leaders.

The Leeds Executive Leadership Apprenticeship is an innovative programme for senior managers working in the public or private sector and is designed to develop you as a leader and take you to the next stage of your career. Find out more about the Leeds Executive Leadership Apprenticeship and explore how a high-level leadership apprenticeship can benefit your business. Contact Kristen Cabrera-Uhl ExecEd@leeds.ac.uk​​​​​ or visit our website.