As a private training provider, Skillwise is supported by CMI’s End-Point Assessment (EPA) offering for the Level 3 Business Administrator (BA), Level 4 Associate Project Manager (APM) and Level 5 Operational/Departmental Manager (ODM) apprenticeship standards. We spoke to three of Skillwise’s Management Apprenticeship Tutors about how this collaboration enables employers to invest in their management talent with real-time return.

Building career-focused skills 

Management education is essential for building careers, establishing robust talent pipelines and creating productive workforces. “Organisations are generally great at providing training for practical skills but often focus less on management and leadership at the early stages of a person’s career,” explains Sean Kennedy, Management Apprenticeship Tutor at Skillwise. “At Skillwise, we understand that management and leadership requires a different skillset.”

Recognising the need to widen accessibility for management skills training, Skillwise offers structured management apprenticeships, with CMI as their End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). These programmes offer businesses a reliable way to upskill their workforce.

Jennifer Eyres, another Management Apprenticeships Tutor at Skillwise, explains the importance of these lower-level apprenticeships. “We see a lot of learners who haven’t engaged in formal learning since leaving school, often because they didn’t feel confident or academic enough. The apprenticeship model with Skillwise and CMI has changed that perception - because it’s based on demonstrating skills and practical knowledge.”

Level 3 CMI-assessed apprenticeships build foundational skills while also boosting confidence. As a springboard to further qualifications, these apprenticeships provide learners with the skills they need for career progression in a manageable, bite-sized way.

Credible path to management success

CMI’s assessment process plays a key role in validating the achievements of Skillwise’s learners, allowing them to take ownership of their development.

“Having the independent CMI assessment gives them validation and recognition that their learning is relevant and applicable to real workplace challenges,” highlights Jennifer. “CMI sets clear expectations and provides guidance at every step, offering support while maintaining independence. This helps learners to focus on demonstrating knowledge to their best ability.”

Sarah Power, also a Skillwise Management Apprenticeship Tutor, highlights the impact of CMI’s structured EPA process: “Learners finish their apprenticeship ready to make an impact. The combination of Skillwise’s training and CMI’s rigorous assessment ensure they are prepared for management challenges.”

“Employers consistently report that CMI-assessed apprenticeships deliver real business benefits, equipping staff with the skills to thrive in the modern workplace and take on new management responsibilities."

“Learners tell me they’ve been promoted, are shadowing a line manager or are taking on their first direct report,”  highlights Jennifer. “The progress is visible in real-time. Employers quickly recognise this progress, seeing increased capability in their staff, which often leads to early promotions or additional responsibilities within their teams."

As part of the collaboration, the CMI assessment process involves sharing of insights and feedback to support Skillwise in their delivery of the lower-level apprenticeships. Sean singles this out as a particular benefit that leads to tangible results.

We're very proud of our Distinction rate, which is 83% across the Level 3 Business Admin and Team Leader apprenticeship standards. This success is heavily influenced by CMI’s QA reporting and insights. Every time I tell a learner they've got a Distinction awarded by CMI, the response is always one of pride and satisfaction.

Focused on excellence 

CMI’s role as an EPAO enhances Skillwise’s apprenticeship delivery. The ability to attain Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status at Level 3 and progress towards full Chartered Manager (CMgr) status further strengthens career growth.

“Foundation Chartered Manager status is a big differentiator,” says Sean. “Many learners on the Level 3 apprenticeship have no external qualifications, so gaining eligibility for those postnominals is a huge confidence booster.”

CMI's involvement is something that apprentices appreciate and employers respect. It gives the whole qualification process a high degree of transferability across industries. Learners gain more than just a certificate; they develop the skills to manage teams, coordinate projects and contribute strategically to their organisations.

“CMI is a supportive awarding body that is responsive and easy to work with,” surmises Sarah. “This partnership ultimately helps Skillwise to be the best provider we can be and has really supported us to widen our offering.”

Learn more about CMI EPA

Offer your learners a top-tier, independent assessment, along with access to exclusive resources as well as a pathway to becoming a Chartered Manager.

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