Join Dave Ramsay, Continuous Improvement Manager at Holland & Barrett, as he recounts how his apprenticeship journey has transformed his career, empowering him to drive and implement meaningful change.
Currently pursuing his Level 6 Master Black Belt Improvement Leader certification, Dave has previously completed both the Level 3 Improvement Technician and Level 5 Improvement Specialist apprenticeships.
With extensive experience in Continuous Improvement within the retail industry, Dave shares insights from impactful projects throughout his career, highlighting the importance of strategic thinking and effective leadership. His journey is a compelling testament to professional growth and a powerful source of inspiration for anyone looking to embark on their own improvement journey.
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Q: When were you first introduced to Continuous Improvement?
A: I was first introduced in early 2018, and I enrolled on my level 3 Improvement Technician apprenticeship at that time. Looking back, it was probably one of the best things I ever did.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is considering enrolling on an Improvement apprenticeship?
A: People get hung up on the myth of off-the-job training, thinking, “I’ve got to spend loads of my own time doing all this learning.” However, it’s about the time within your working week that you then attribute to your learning. I find myself thinking, “What do I use this week to put into my timesheet?” rather than “I’ve got to try and find something.”
Q: Who has had the most influence on you in this field of Continuous Improvement?
A: One influence has to be my line manager now, Sarah Cook, who’s our Head of CI at Holland & Barrett. The opportunities she gives me, the ability to put my ideas into practice, the debates we’ll have to make sure we come out with the right call for Holland & Barrett. All those things make such a difference.
Watch the full video for more on the journey from improvement beginner to strategic leader.
The principles of CI are universal, so sharing practices with others operating in a different industry can be enlightening. Dave explains how he found the collaborative environment during his level 5 Improvement Specialist programme transformative, emphasising that CI thrives on collective learning.
When looking to Improve Performance, it’s crucial to understand the root cause of the problem that is negatively impacting results. Dave discusses key learning from the Level 6 Master Black Belt Improvement Leader certification and how this approach has provided a holistic perspective in problem-solving and professional development.
Unleash your teams’ talent and take a stride forward in the world of Improvement and Quality, through government-funded apprenticeships.
Explore the possibilities at our next Online Information Session.
Our Room for Improvement Video Series aims to inspire people who are developing their Business Improvement capabilities.
Our guests are experienced practitioners who talk about how they got started, what it means to practice business improvement, and who or what has inspired them. Listen out for their hints and tips to help you on your own improvement journey.
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