WCPD colleague with PhD proves there is no limit to learning after qualifying from an apprenticeship

• Dr Nick Haylett, 53, has furthered his knowledge achieving a distinction in his Senior Leadership apprenticeship
• WCPD’s Head of Strategic Planning has over 18 years of railway experience
• He encourages others to seek out opportunities to fill their knowledge gaps

Already boasting a PhD and 18 years of railway experience to his name, a West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD) colleague has shown that there’s no limit to his quest for learning after completing an apprenticeship in leadership.

WCPD’s Head of Strategic Planning, Dr Nick Haylett, 53, wanted to further his career knowledge so he undertook the apprenticeship to develop his leadership and managerial skills.

The apprenticeship was led by the Open University and saw him complete modules in leadership, corporate strategy and finance.

For Nick, this Level 7 Apprenticeship – which he achieved with distinction, is his third university qualification, after a degree in Chemistry and Law BSc as well as a PhD in Chemistry which he attained in 1995.

He also boasts an impressive career having worked in the railway industry for the last 18 years, including roles at London Underground, First Capital Connect, Govia Thameslink Railway and now at WCPD. 

His role with the Shadow Operator is to oversee the timely delivery of the business’ milestones in designing the high-speed services. In addition, he has to ensure that this plan is aligned to their partners at Avanti West Coast, High Speed Two Ltd, Network Rail and the Department for Transport.

As part of his apprenticeship, he delivered a final project looking at how to implement ‘Strategic Resource Planning for WCPD’, which has been adopted by the business as part of its working.

Nick said: “Even after 18 years on the railway there is still lots for me to learn, and this apprenticeship was about doing something challenging to fill gaps in my knowledge. I encourage anyone in work, regardless of age or experience, to always seek out opportunities to learn new skills – and apprenticeships are fantastic for that.

“The joy of this apprenticeship was that it was work based learning, with WCPD being extremely supportive and ultimately benefiting from it with my strategic resource planning final project.”

ENDS