Lee Bishop, a Business and Management Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice at the University of Salford, has stepped into an interim leadership role at global financial services firm BNY while still midway through his studies – and he has also been named Business Apprentice of the Year.
Just half way into the three-year programme at Salford Business School, Lee has been trusted to take on additional leadership responsibilities as interim Team Lead, covering his manager’s maternity leave while continuing in his role as Senior Associate in Client Processing. Alongside managing team responsibilities, he is also mentoring a fellow apprentice on the programme.
Lee said the opportunity has given him the chance to apply the ideas and approaches he has been developing through his studies in a real-world business environment.
“I feel very positive about the experience and exposure the elevated responsibility brings with it. I’m excited by the learning opportunities it will provide and hope to be able to put some of my academic studies in terms of theories and models into practice in my work environment.”
The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship combines academic study with practical workplace experience, helping students build leadership skills, confidence and resilience while making an impact in their organisations.
For Lee, modules covering topics such as personal and professional development, managing people and managerial decision making have already begun shaping how he approaches leadership.
“I feel I have gained a better understanding of leadership styles and drives for motivation amongst colleagues and staff,” he explained. “I have also become more reflective in my practices, taking time to consider and assess scenarios and decisions to appreciate what went well and what could have been improved.”
Lee’s leadership development has also extended beyond his workplace responsibilities. As a course representative, he has helped strengthen communication between apprentices and the programme team, advocating for his peers and helping to build a supportive learning community.
He has also taken on the challenge of mentoring another apprentice on the programme.
“It has provided an interesting challenge, one born of wanting to ensure the best for that colleague,” Lee said. “I feel I have established a strong rapport over time on the course and working alongside them for our day-to-day activities, which has helped in the scenario we now find ourselves in.”
Lee’s achievements have also been recognised beyond the programme. He was recently named Business Apprentice of the Year, recognising both his professional impact and commitment to learning.
Reflecting on the win, Lee said: “Absolutely thrilled! By no means expected and honoured to have been considered and absolutely delighted to have been selected as the winner of the award.”
Nicky Iqbal, Programme Leader for the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, said Lee’s progress shows how apprenticeships can accelerate leadership development. “Lee has consistently demonstrated exemplary results throughout the apprenticeship so far. His dedication to learning and professional growth is clear in both his academic achievements and his contributions in the workplace.
“He has also made a strong impact as a course representative, supporting communication between his peers and the programme team and helping to foster a positive learning environment.”
With around 18 months remaining before reaching his end point assessment, the final stage of the apprenticeship, Lee is focused on continuing to build his skills and applying what he learns to his role.
“My ambitions for the next year are to continue focusing on my studies and bringing that learning to life in my work practices. The end point assessment is coming sharply into focus. I want to give myself the very best chance of being successful in my studies and am open to the possibilities that it will bring.”
Through programmes like the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, Salford Business School works closely with industry partners to deliver immersive learning that equips students with the digital, leadership and problem-solving skills needed to drive innovation and create positive change in organisations and communities.