Development of new Master’s-level apprenticeships given government green light

16 September 2016 -

The new apprenticeship scheme will provide both a Master’s degree and Chartered Fellow status with CMI

Matt Scott

The development of a new Master’s-level degree apprenticeships in leadership and management have been given the go-ahead by government as another way for businesses to make the most of the Apprenticeship Levy.

Aimed at senior executives and the C-suite, the apprenticeship will look to provide both a Master’s Degree and Chartered Fellow status with CMI upon completion.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon said: “In the past, getting a Master’s degree was something you could only do with a traditional university course. Our reforms to apprenticeships are changing that.

“These new Master’s level apprenticeships will offer a ladder of opportunity for people and mean that regardless of your background, you can get the advanced skills in leadership and management that top employers want and need.”

Petra Wilton, CMI’s director of strategy, said the proposed new qualification would help develop the skills needed to drive growth and remove the snobbery that has surrounded apprenticeships in the past.

“This exciting new Master’s level apprenticeship means that employers will now be able to lead by example and ensure that top teams have the professional leadership skills needed to drive growth,” she said. “This highest level apprenticeship will also help to challenge snobbery around vocational routes and can help demonstrate how these new apprenticeships really can provide pathways through to the top.”

Designed by employers, for employers

The apprenticeship will be designed by a group of 30 employers, led by Serco and Civil Service Learning and supported by CMI, to develop the skill sets of those working in private, public and not-for-for-profit sectors with responsibility for directing the operations of companies or third sector organisations, government departments or local authorities, and formulating national and local government policy.

It adds to the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, which was launched in November 2015, and the team leader and operational manager apprenticeships launched in June 2016, providing a progression route for employers to invest in managers at all levels.

Melanie Nicholson, director of skills for Serco, said the new qualification was vital for companies looking to develop their senior leadership teams.

“It is vital for Serco that we develop and retain our skilled and professional senior managers who enable their teams and the business to deliver essential services for our customers,” she said. “We are happy to be leading the development of this important new masters level apprenticeship standard with Civil Service Learning, and other employers.

“I am sure this apprenticeship will not only contribute to the successful development of Serco employees but also the wider UK economy.”

Employers can contribute to the development of the Master’s degree apprentice. Click here to get in contact