Making good people great
Leadership & Personal Development, Strategic Management, Lean Six Sigma & Quality Tools
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Making good people great
Leadership & Personal Development, Strategic Management, Lean Six Sigma & Quality Tools
Capella are delighted to be shortlisted as Finalists in the Learning Excellence Awards for 2023.
The Learning Excellence Awards, now in their 3rd year, are business awards for the training, learning, and development sector.
The Learning Excellence Awards are UK-based, but also attract overseas entries, The Awards are impartial and independent and look to reward relevant, agile, innovative, excellent, and effective initiatives, programmes, products, and services wherever they may be found. Each year the Awards are open to in-house training, learning and development teams and activities, to external professional practitioners and to suppliers to the sector.
Our award entry shows how the application of Power BI has been utilised to enhance learning outcomes and business sustainability. Special thanks to Mark Wood and those who’ve been involved in this innovative work.
Kate Smith, Capella’s Managing Director, said “Capella are delighted to be shortlisted as Finalists in the Learning Excellence Awards for 2023. External awards bring many benefits including an opportunity to be benchmarked against others, additional evidence to share with employers and learners to build and maintain their confidence in us as a provider and, of course, recognition that we as a team can all be hugely proud of”.
If you want to find out more about the Learning Excellence Awards and see who the other Finalists are go to https://lnkd.in/eCYVe99n
You can also find details of Capella’s other awards and recognition here
Shining the spotlight on quality apprenticeships
For National Apprenticeship Week 2023, Kate Smith, Managing Director at Capella Associates, shines a spotlight on quality apprenticeships, including how the Level 4 Quality Practitioner was developed, and what it’s like to take part.
The CQI were part of the development group that first created this standard, which aligns with their competency framework and includes content on governance, assurance and improvement. The development group also won the award for “Outstanding Contribution to Quality Management Systems” in 2020.
Who is the Quality Practitioner apprenticeship for?
Suitable for employers from all sectors, the Quality Practitioner apprenticeship is designed for people at the beginning of their career, as well as those who find themselves in quality roles without any formal training.
Capella Associates are on the Register of Approved Training Providers to deliver the Quality Practitioner apprenticeship. We’ve seen a wide range of sectors utilising this apprenticeship as a development opportunity, including construction, financial and customer services, manufacturing and defence.
What does this apprenticeship entail?
The apprenticeship combines taught content, tutorials, and 1:1 coaching to support application of learning into the workplace. There are modules on quality planning, assurance, control and continuous improvement. Learners build competence and confidence to improve quality performance and solve problems through use of best-in-class tools.
The first apprentices to enrol as quality practitioners are now coming to the end of their programme and the impact reported by learners and employers has been positive. Two of these learners have won Apprentice of the Month at Capella, so good results are expected from the final assessments which are taking place this week.
Neila Rudzite was one of the apprentices who won the award because she produced work of an extremely high standard. Her trainer said “she also challenged, where appropriate, in a constructive and positive way. She has shown personal resilience through role changes, and challenges with her project selection, but has continued to show determination to complete a high quality and impactful project for her organisation, which is testimony to her own drive and personal integrity.”
Aurora Horeanu also won Apprentice of the Month. She first joined Brose over six years ago as a Production Operator. After two years she moved into the quality function, eventually applying for the role of Quality Engineer in April 2021. Although she enjoyed working as a Quality Auditor, she said “I wished I could have the opportunity to correct the non-conformities by myself and not only to give advice. So, I decided to apply for a role which would give me the chance to take immediate actions and make improvements. Not only that, but it would also help to achieve my goals, gain the necessary qualification in Quality, and become a successful Quality Engineer”. Her trainer said, “Aurora has been enthusiastic and diligent from the start. She certainly puts into practice the knowledge, skills and behaviours that contribute to her becoming a strong Quality Professional.”
Further information about the Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship can be found here (opens a new window)
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we wanted to share a L4 Improvement Apprenticeship Case study. So we caught up with Sara Bartlett, who works in People Shared Services at Costa Coffee, who’s currently completing the Level 4 Improvement Practitioner Apprenticeship.
FANTASTIC opportunity for personal development
“I started my apprenticeship in May 2022 and will finish in September 2023. It’s a fantastic opportunity for personal development and will bring new knowledge and skills to Costa”.
Biggest BENEFIT is applying the learning to my role
“In terms of what I hope to get out of the apprenticeship, it will be nice to have the qualification, but the biggest benefit is what I will be able to apply to my day-to-day role”.
Provides an opportunity to NETWORK
“It’s great working alongside people from very different sectors, with very different roles”.
Develops SKILLS for life
“I know that by completing this apprenticeship, I will be able to apply the principles of continuous improvement not only in my career, but also my role as a school governor, which benefits my local community”.
And finally, what would you say to anyone else considering this?
“It’s a brilliant way to learn new skills to apply at work. Undertaking the apprenticeship on the job for me has meant that I am able to use my day-to-day role as evidence in my portfolio, and I can immediately apply new knowledge”.
For further information about the Level 4 Improvement Practitioner visit the Institute for Apprenticeship website by clicking the link here (opens a new page)
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we wanted to share a couple of Improvement Apprenticeship learner case studies.
So we caught up with Amanda Beable, Head of Transformation at Hampshire County Council – Universal Services Directorate, who recently completed the Level 6 Improvement Leader apprenticeship with Capella.
Improving outcomes ENERGISES people
“I first became interested in the world of Improvement in customer service management at a previous company. I’ve seen how energising it can be when everyone is driven to improve outcomes in an aligned and motivating culture, I wanted to gain knowledge and develop the leadership skills that would allow me to develop such a culture within my team at HCC, gaining a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt qualification as part of this apprenticeship has certainly helped this”.
Apprenticeships are well established and organised
“I’m a very curious person and with that comes a natural interest in learning. I also want to make a difference in my work, and so taking a course in which I’d learn about how to improve things for customers and team members seemed a very good fit. An apprenticeship was an obvious route to take due to both the apprenticeship levy and how well established and organised the apprenticeship process is within HCC”.
Driving an improvement culture
“I wanted to gain both a greater understanding behind the theory of improvement leadership as well as knowledge of key tools that I can practically implement to improve the work of my team. I also wanted to understand how to nurture the behaviours in both myself and my team that would drive an improvement culture across everything we do”.
Transferable skills are the building blocks for a successful career
“I think HCC is very good at developing skills for life, with many in-house training opportunities available as well as the ability to undertake an apprenticeship. These are skills that are transferable across roles and sectors and are the building blocks for a successful career.”
Practical and strategic skills for the longer term
“The learning has been helpful both in a practical way (new tools and concepts that can be used within our work) as well as in a strategic way. I am currently bringing together previously quite separate teams within the Transformation service that I lead, as part of a wider restructure. Change management, situational leadership and the Shingo guiding principles models have in particular been exceedingly useful to reflect on to better understand how to lead through this uncertain time, in order to build a successful and motivated team for the longer term”.
And finally, what would you say to other leaders?
“If you’re interested in making work better for your team and improving yourself as a leader, then definitely consider this apprenticeship. It takes a lot of work, which is made easier if you can directly relate your learning to the work you do”.
For further information about the Level 6 Improvement Leader click here (opens a new page)
We’re delighted to announce that Capella have been shortlisted in the LEARNING IMPACT AWARD category for the Learning Awards 2023.
The Learning Impact Award is aimed at Training Providers who can demonstrate that they produced a learning programme, that included an evaluation and measurement strategy, with quantified positive outcomes demonstrated by
The next stage of the Awards is on the 24th of November, when Capella will present their Award entry to the panel of judges. Capella are one of eight finalists which includes Astra Zeneca, Capita and Network Rail.
Capella will then have to wait until next year for the winner to be announced at the Award Ceremony in London on the 16th of February 2023.
Capella believe that receiving external recognition is really important to growing our business. Over the years we’ve received some great recognition for our training and achieved several Awards which are featured on our Awards and Recognition page here
Apprentice of the Month Award Winners Quarter 3 – 2022
Last year Capella introduced an ‘Apprentice of the Month Award’ where we ask our Capella Trainers to nominate a learner who they feel has gone ‘above and beyond’. This could be a learner who has overcome challenges, worked particularly hard, or someone who has made a real difference to the cohort, or their own business whilst on the programme. For Quarter 3 our Capella Apprentice of the Month Award winners were…
July 2022 – Apprentice of the Month Award Winner was Joanne Hill from Autoliv on the L5 Improvement Specialist apprenticeship.
Joanne’s tutor Niall Coney said:
“Joanne has completed some great portfolio work, including examples of more complex Lean Six Sigma evidence, and is driving fantastic improvement and change within her own organisation. She’s also set up revision and practice sessions with the rest of the cohort, as well as coaching and guiding her own organisation’s Level 4 delegates.
She’s a great example of an apprentice who’s gone above and beyond in supporting those around her, whilst always having a ‘can-do’ and happy attitude that lifts everyone else in the room. All of this deserves recognition, and it was an easy choice to nominate Joanne as Capella’s apprentice of the month.”
August 2022 – Apprentice of the Month Award Winner was Neila Rudzite from Brose on the L4 Quality Practitioner apprenticeship. 
Steve Fannon (Capella Trainer) told us:
“Neila has produced work of an extremely high standard and continues to deliver quality evidence to demonstrate her knowledge, skills, and behaviours, ready for her Final Review. Neila has also challenged, where appropriate, in a constructive and positive way.
She has shown personal resilience in the last few months, with role changes, and some recent challenges with her project selection, but has continued to show determination to progress a high quality and impactful project for her organisation which is testimony to her own drive and personal integrity. Well done, Neila.”
And the final winner of Apprentice of the Month for Quarter 3 – 2022 for September was Celina Lay at Travelodge on the L4 Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship. 
Martyn Jupp (Capella Trainer) said: “Celina has brought enthusiasm and a passion for learning to the Improvement Practitioner programme from the start and is making great progress on her learning journey whilst leading a very important and valued improvement project for Travelodge.
It is clear from teaching and coaching sessions that Celina is embracing this learning opportunity and relating it directly to her own project, workplace, and the wider organisation, whilst working closely with her line manager to ensure that the journey is truly a 3-way partnership between learner, employer, and Capella. Celina is a pleasure to teach and coach, always engaging in group discussions and activities, and asking questions for the benefit of all. In coaching and progress review sessions, Celina takes the lead, making sure that maximum value is extracted from these sessions, and it’s fantastic to see that key learning points and concepts are translated into high quality project progress that is already benefitting Travelodge, even though we are just at the end of the Measure phase.
In recognition of an outstanding Mid Review presentation showcasing her project and highlighting her new knowledge and understanding of Continuous Improvement wedded to her technical skills in data analysis, Celina is my nomination for Apprentice of the month. We look forward to supporting Celina to successful completion of this programme, and in ongoing personal development through further Capella Apprenticeship programmes in the future.”
On behalf of the Capella team, we’d just like to say congratulations to all our Apprentice of the Month Award Winners for Quarter 3 – 2022 well done everyone!
Apprentice of the Month Award Winners Quarter 2 – 2022
Last year Capella introduced an ‘Apprentice of the Month Award’ where we ask our Capella Trainers to nominate a learner who they feel has gone ‘above and beyond’. This could be a learner who has overcome challenges, worked particularly hard, or someone who has made a real difference to the cohort, or their own business whilst on the programme. For Quarter 2 our Capella Apprentice of the Month Award winners were…
April 2022 – Apprentice of the Month Award Winner was Aurora Horeanu from Brose on the L4 Quality Practitioner apprenticeship.
Aurora’s tutor Steve Fannon said:
“Aurora has been enthusiastic and diligent from the start and is making great progress in developing a very professional evidence portfolio.
She is embracing this learning opportunity and relating it directly to her own organisation and immediate workplace, whilst also working closely with her manager. It’s fantastic to hear that key learning points and concepts are becoming live discussion points in the workplace too!
She is certainly putting into practice knowledge, skills, and behaviours that will contribute to her becoming a strong asset as a Quality Professional within her own team and the wider organization.”
May 2022 – Apprentice of the Month Award Winner was Callum Hughes from Balfour Beatty Vinci on the L4 Quality Practitioner apprenticeship. 
Mat Ellwood (Capella Trainer) said
“From the onset of the programme, it became clear that Callum was an enthusiastic individual who could quickly build trust in his working relationships.
Callum is always keen to engage in sessions, asks insightful questions and challenges and motivates the group to excel in any given task.
This aspect is what impresses me most about Callum, the energy he brings to the classroom. He continually plays an active role in coaching and sharing best practice with fellow delegates.
He sets the standard for engagement which has a positive impact for all the learners. His attitude to Quality is exceptional.”
And the final winner of Apprentice of the Month for Quarter 2 – 2022 for June was Jane Gourlay at Orcha on the L4 Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship. 
Sven Boulton (Capella Trainer) said: “Jane had an excellent Final Review, having delivered an outstanding quality project that has a direct effect on software tools used in the health sector.
She also conducted a very comprehensive and detailed analysis phase, incorporating an extensive range of tools that complimented each other to provide a very robust root cause confirmation. Well Done!”
On behalf of the Capella team, we’d just like to say congratulations to all our Apprentice of the Month Award Winners for Quarter 2 – 2022 well done everyone!
Apprentice of the Month Award Winners Quarter 1 – 2022
Last year Capella introduced an ‘Apprentice of the Month Award’ where we ask our Capella Trainers to nominate a learner who they feel has gone ‘above and beyond’. This could be a learner who has overcome challenges, worked particularly hard, or someone who has made a real difference to the cohort, or their own business whilst on the programme. For Quarter 1 our Capella Apprentice of the Month Award winners were…
January 2022 – Apprentice of the Month Award Winner was Katy MacDonald from GSK on the L4 Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship. 
Katy’s tutor Niall Coney said:
“Throughout the entire course Katy has been self-driven, inquisitive, and never hesitated to ask for support. Katy has also applied and completed a full DMAIC methodology improvement project in an area which is not part of her regular working role. She’s done this to a very high standard with fantastic application of data analysis and Gemba based learning which has become a benchmark project.
Above and beyond this, Katy has made a huge active effort to support other delegates and help them complete their improvement projects. Katy has not only applied the course in a fantastic way to achieve great results but has given back to others and remained a positive energy throughout the training.”
February 2022 – Apprentice of the Month Award Winner was Helen Greenhalgh from Fittleworth Medical on the L5 Improvement Specialist apprenticeship. 
Mick Dickenson (Capella Trainer) said ” Helen has fully engaged with her apprenticeship programme from the beginning and is working very closely with her trainer and employer to get maximum benefit.
She is making excellent progress and routinely applies new knowledge, skills, and behaviours in the workplace – leading, chairing, coordinating, motivating others, and taking on new challenges.”
And the final winner of Apprentice of the Month for Quarter 1 – 2022 for March was Jean Giambalvo at ABP Foods on the L4 Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship. 
Robert Siejka (ABP Regional Lean Manager) said: “I nominated Jean for his “Can do” and “Never give up” attitude, resulting in a great progress towards completing his apprenticeship.
His Green belt project was delivered in a timely manner and to a very high standard during challenging times, on top of other business objectives.
Jean is a great asset not only to sites, but to our business and it is great to see him, his confidence and influence growing. Well done!”
On behalf of the Capella team congratulations to all our Apprentice of the Month Award Winners for Quarter 1 – 2022 well done everyone!
Capella and the NHS Leadership Academy
The NHS Leadership Academy collaboration with Capella will mean that the Edward Jenner and Mary Seacole NHS Leadership Awards can now be delivered alongside the Improvement apprenticeships. Helping the NHS Leadership Academy to meet the aims of the NHS People Plan.
The Edward Jenner and Mary Seacole Programme will give those who work in Health and Care the opportunity to complete an Improvement apprenticeship, whilst developing themselves as a leader at the same time.
“As continuous improvement experts Capella are always looking at ways to improve, so we believe this is a great opportunity to work together with the NHS Leadership Academy to reduce the time it would take for learners to complete these qualifications separately. The overlap of leadership and management content, covered in the improvement standards and the NHS Leadership Awards, enables us to do this”
Kate Smith, Capella MD and Founder
It’s also the first time the NHS Leadership Academy have been able to offer a full suite of apprenticeships from Level 3 to Level 6 with the option to complete the NHS Leadership Awards alongside.
You can find out more about the NHS Leadership Academy by visiting
Leadership Academy – Better Leaders, Better Care, Brighter Future
Edward Jenner Award
The Edward Jenner content has been recently refreshed and is designed for those who are new to health and care or aspiring leaders at the start of their leadership journey. Helping to build a strong foundation of leadership skills. The programme is delivered with a suite of online short courses.
Edward Jenner programme – Leadership Academy
Mary Seacole Award
The Mary Seacole content has also been refreshed recently and is aimed at first time leaders in healthcare. It includes 12 modules covering leadership fundamentals, leading for improvement and management skills.
Mary Seacole programme – Leadership Academy
Learner Support
Our tutors are qualified Lean Six Sigma experts with practical experience of working with learners within healthcare and the NHS. Learners will have regular 1 to 1 coaching sessions throughout their Edward Jenner or Mary Seacole programme, where the tutor will provide support and regular progress updates.
Apprentice of the Month Award Winners Quarter 4 – 2021
In 2021 Capella introduced an ‘Apprentice of the Month Award’ where we ask our Capella Trainers to nominate a learner who they feel has gone ‘above and beyond’. This could be a learner who has overcome challenges, worked particularly hard, or someone who has made a real difference to the cohort, or their own business whilst on the programme. For Quarter 4 our Capella Apprentice of the Month Award winners were…
October 2021 – Apprentice of the Month Award Winner was Caroline Hand from Thames Water on the L4 Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship.
Capella’s Apprentice of the Month for October was Caroline Hand at Thames Water on the L4 Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship.
Caroline’s tutor Sven Boulton said:
“Caroline presented her project for Final Gateway, with an exceptional level of detail combined with clarity and an excellent summary.
Throughout the programme, she has shown her determination to deliver the highest standard possible. Demonstrating that she not only wants to complete the project but wants to fully understand all the Lean Six Sigma tools and their inter-relationships with other tools.
An amazing presentation!”
November 2021 – For the first time ever we had 2 winners for Capella’s Apprentice of the Month!
Operations Director Amrik Gill felt that both learners deserved recognition for going ‘above and beyond’ during their apprenticeship and so for the first time ever we have 2 learners who will be joint winners.
The first to be announced was Rebecca Greenwood at ReedSmith on the L4 Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship.
Niall Coney (Capella Trainer) said “Rebecca has just completed her project and presentation. The quality of work was exceptional with a clear understanding of the various concepts throughout, despite a very turbulent year”.
“Rebecca has been a great peer in the classroom always bringing great humour and interaction, making the learning process even more enjoyable for everyone. Rebecca has taken every challenge and never hesitated to try a new concept to get a better understanding. All of this reflects in a project that should easily aim for distinction with fantastic work throughout”! Niall Coney
And the second winner of Capella’s Apprentice of the Month for November was Bethany Walker-Smith at Pirelli on the L4 Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship.
Sven Boulton (Capella Trainer) said Beth presented her project at mid review, to an exceptional standard. The level of depth and the thoroughness with which she has used a range of tools, was similar to a Level 5 standard, underpinned with a clear understanding of these tools.
Exceptionally professional, with high determination to deliver an excellent project, which not only has cost savings, but owing to the nature of the materials being used, has a potential environmental impact as well.
