My Unipart Journey - Bozena Pyzik

Earlier this year, we shared a blog on a quality app developed within the NHS contract by Bozena Pyzik. Following her successful completion of Level 6 Improvement Leader qualification, we spoke to her again to find out more about her learning journey at Unipart…

Whilst many people still think of Apprenticeships as an entry level qualification, but with a degree from the University of Science and Technology already under her belt, Bozena enjoyed the learning that the Level 6 Improvement Leader apprenticeship, in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, gave her:

“Elements around Statistics I had learned before and that was a refresher for me but I learned a lot of new things too; about emotional intelligence, how to take people through change, people management as well as technical stuff. I found the course very useful and I loved the improvement in myself. I’m the kind of person that likes learning new things."

The Improvement Leader (level 6) course is also known as Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Six Sigma comprises of 5 levels, or ‘belts’; White, Yellow, Green, Black and Master Black.

Managers saw potential in Bozena and helped her to reach her capabilities:

“While I was still on the Green belt course, Alison Coleman, Head of Six Sigma, spoke to my line manager, recommending that I complete the Black Belt course too.

“With English not being my first language, I thought it was going to be a challenge. But the Six Sigma team, my mentor through Anglia Ruskin University, and my manager were all very helpful.”

The course developed Bozena’s strengths and skills, which she’s proud of:

“We did a lot around stakeholder analysis. I had to talk to customers, I learnt how to engage different stakeholders in a project - it’s all been used after the course. There was also a lot of maths, statistics and data analysis approach, which I really like as well.”

Thinking about what’s next for her learning journey, Bozena knows she won’t be sitting still for too long:

“With the projects, exams and end-point assessments, the courses are a big commitment. I think I need a bit of rest. But knowing myself I’ll probably look for something shortly.”It was worth it at the end of the day - I’ve got a certificate, and the knowledge. The knowledge is more important than certificate.”

The Level 6 Improvement Leader Apprenticeship is delivered by our own Six Sigma experts in conjunction with Anglia Ruskin University. It is a Nationally-recognised apprenticeship qualification and forms part of The Unipart Way Black Belt certification.

Unipart started teaching this as an Apprenticeship in 2022 and the first of our delegates have just achieved their qualifications. Improvement leaders are expert practitioners of The Unipart Way and use their deep understanding of the Operational Excellence system to drive business benefits through continuous improvement and innovation, and to coach others to do the same.

Entry to this programme requires that you are actively involved in process improvement and in a role where you can support others to improve. As an apprentice you and your business will need to commit 20% of your working week to building your skills in addition to attending formal training.

If you would like to develop your own skills or those of one of your team then please get in touch with sixsigma@unipart.com