When people think about apprenticeships, they often picture early careers. But for Jeff Uden, Global Head of Performance and Attraction at Aventum Group, completing an apprenticeship later in his career became something much more significant, reshaping how he leads, listens and builds culture.
Having spent years in senior leadership roles, Jeff did not lack experience. What the apprenticeship gave him was a deeper understanding of how results were achieved and why culture, integrity and lived experience matter just as much as performance and metrics.
A Different Way of Measuring Success
Reflecting on the long-term impact, Jeff is clear that the apprenticeship changed his leadership style. He said, “Culture cannot be a tick box exercise, people see through it so quickly. Meaningful action needs to take place consistently to make a difference to the people in the business.”
The experience strengthened Jeff’s desire to support the business in creating a culture that is felt. One of the most valuable lessons he carried forward into his role was the need to truly listen - to employees and the people impacted by leadership decisions. For Jeff, success is no longer judged purely on what has been delivered, but on what has been experienced.
That shift has completely changed how he defines performance as a leader. Jeff said, “It has made me far more rounded in my approach and has broadened out my personal definitions of what success now looks like.”
Turning Learning into Leadership Practice
Jeff actively applies his learning at every level of his role. On a personal level, it comes down to integrity and role modelling. At a team level, it is about how ‘we’ operate - taking ownership and accountability for everything we do. At a company level, Jeff said, “It is about constantly asking those difficult questions and raising what is often kept unsaid, no matter how uncomfortable it is.”
One clear example of this in practice came when creating values for the business. Drawing directly on concepts from the apprenticeship, Jeff focused on gathering as many views and opinions as possible. That inclusive approach was shaped by learning about culture from the apprenticeship itself, rather than imposing values from the top down.
The same thinking influences how Jeff develops and supports others across the organisation, ensuring culture is built with people, not for them.
Why Apprenticeships Matter at A Senior Level
Completing an apprenticeship strengthened Jeff’s belief in their value, especially for leaders. For senior leaders, apprenticeships offer exposure to diverse leadership styles and concepts that may not fit every business but encourage exploration and refinement. Additionally, discussing learning and experimentation with other senior leaders outside of his sector was immensely valuable to Jeff.
To those who feel they are ‘too experienced’ for an apprenticeship, Jeff’s view is clear: “Leadership is always changing, employees are always wanting something different. If you don’t understand how to improve and progress yourself, your business never will.”
Building Culture, Capability and Future Skills
Apprenticeships are essential for building a strong learning culture within an organisation. Their ongoing nature - often spanning 12-24 months - reinforces that learning is continuous. Apprentices serve as visible role models, showcasing their development and inspiring curiosity in learning throughout the business.
Apprenticeship standards are designed with a focus on the future, ensuring they remain relevant over time. Skills requirements evolve constantly, and learning plans increasingly include areas such as AI. Providers often offer these additional skills as part of the programme, ensuring businesses develop capabilities that remain relevant.
Advice for Leaders Considering an Apprenticeship
Jeff is candid when asked what he would say to someone considering an apprenticeship later in their career. “You will be genuinely surprised at how much you will get out of it,” he said. “It is never too late to learn and be better. At 56, I am happier than I have ever been in how I deliver my role and how I work with my teams and colleagues.”
One misconception Jeff would like to change about apprenticeships is the idea that they are filler roles for school leavers. Professional qualifications are valuable, but apprenticeships can offer more. They combine technical knowledge with proven practical application and the behaviours needed to perform exceptionally well, creating well-rounded individuals with retained learning.
A Turning Point Worth Taking
Reflecting on his apprenticeship, Jeff describes it simply. “It was a turning point in my career that enabled me to be who I wanted to be as a leader. If only I had this when I was younger.”
It is a powerful reminder that learning does not stop with seniority and that some of the most meaningful development can happen when experience meets curiosity.
