About Steve
Steve is the Head of Skills at the Cell and Gene Catapult and he leads the ATAC programme. Prior to this role, he led the global apprenticeship programme at GSK where he engaged with ATAC to support their Cell and Gene apprentices. Steve has also recently completed the Level 7 Senior Leader MBA apprenticeship. He therefore has a unique position of being engaged and supported in a variety of ways by the people associated with ATAC.
Steve’s many different apprenticeship hats
Steve is in a unique position where he has experienced apprenticeships in many different forms. From leading the apprenticeship programme at GSK, being an apprentice himself and leading the double award winning ATAC programme in his role at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. Steve explains his experience of this:
“When leading the GSK programme, I was keen for our apprentices to gain a rich experience from other Companies to give them breadth as well as depth in their learning. The ATAC programme offered them the opportunity to connect with other apprentices studying similar subjects and also to engage with industry leaders. These enrichment events have been key to apprentice development and formed a key part of our programme.
Whilst at GSK I signed up for the Senior Leader Level 7 programme to help my own development as I sought a leadership role. All the stars aligned when I was successful in becoming the Head of Skills at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. As an apprentice, I am now benefiting directly from engaging with peers across the industry which has helped me build a network quickly during a difficult time when we couldn’t travel and physically meet people or attend lectures [due to COVID]. I have also heard from inspirational speakers and been given career advice first hand by people I hugely respect such as Ian McCubbin and Dave Tudor. With ATAC, I have a strong network who I can reach out to and seek advice and hopefully reciprocate this when needed.”
When reflecting on his experience of leading the ATAC programme, Steve mentioned:
“Now as Head of Skills, I am passionate about helping apprentices access similar support. ATAC occupies a unique position in the sector where it can offer different levels of support to employers. At GSK, I valued the enrichment events and networking for our apprentices. Now I see the benefit we can offer smaller companies by supporting with attraction, recruitment, management and overall strategy of an early talent programme.
I would really encourage people to join our community. It has been hugely beneficial to me as both an employer and an apprentice. Now as part of the team, I can be part of the fun from the other side.”
About the Level 7 Senior Leader apprenticeship
A leader is someone who has senior management responsibility, and this can include formal governance/director responsibilities. They are responsible for direction and vision, providing a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent. They take into account market trends and environmental influences, identifying longer term opportunities and risks. Through inclusive leadership, they are responsible for developing ethical, innovative and supportive cultures with the ability to deliver results. They are a role model, with responsibility for those in senior positions/significant organisational budgets.
Occupational Profile: Professional strategic leaders in the private, public or third sector and all sizes of organisation, who lead, manage and direct organisations. Specific job roles may include: Senior Leader, Section Leader, Executive, Director, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Information Officer, Senior Military Officer, HE Registrar and Head of Department/Faculty.
You can access further information about this apprenticeship, including exploring the option of topping up your modules to complete an MBA, here.
About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult was established as an independent centre of excellence to advance the growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry, by bridging the gap between scientific research and full-scale commercialisation. With more than 300 employees focusing on cell and gene therapy technologies, it works with partners in academia and industry to ensure these life-changing therapies can be developed for use in health services throughout the world. It offers leading-edge capability, technology and innovation to enable companies to take products into clinical trials and provide clinical, process development, manufacturing, regulatory, health economics and market access expertise. Its aim is to make the UK the most compelling and logical choice for UK and international partners to develop and commercialise these advanced therapies. The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult works with Innovate UK. For more information please visit ct.catapult.org.uk or visit http://www.gov.uk/innovate-uk.
