Avrion is no stranger to the benefits of apprenticeships, however 2025 launches our first experience of upskilling an established team member, namely me. This blog aims to help anyone looking to bridge the skills gap, safe in the knowledge that the training meets the high standards provided by apprenticeships.
Did you know 68% of managers have no formal management skills?
According to KnowledgeBrief, the leading provider for teaching and learning, connecting learners to the skills they need to succeed, the majority managers have taught themselves how to lead. So of, like me, you seize growth opportunities within your organisation, you can progress to a management or leadership role without any formal training. The internet has a wealth of knowledge to help us address the skill gap but can also be time consuming searching for gold nuggets of information amongst the noise.
So today, after almost 25 years of being an Apprenticeship Manager, I will finally BE an apprentice. I’ll be the newbie as I start my Chartered Management Institute Level 7 Strategic Leader apprenticeship with KnowledgeBrief thanks to the support of the leadership team at Avrion. Our company culture seeks out and nurtures people who love to learn and develop, which is also what attracts people to work within the technology sector.
Over the next 18 months I will gain a greater understanding of the responsibilities of a strategic leader and further build on my experience and knowledge to help drive the business forward and give me the skills I need to progress my career in the future.
From study to training, coaching and webinars, I’m excited to get cracking, so I can support the rest of the leadership team by becoming a better leader within Avrion. It will also benefit the wider community through my mentoring with Women Innovators in Digital and Design.
Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers and people at the beginning of their careers? They can also be used to develop existing staff.
Tell me more about the Level 7 Strategic Leader apprenticeship
This apprenticeship has been designed for senior managers, directors, and individuals progressing into more senior leadership roles. It will cover 4 incredibly useful areas such as:
- Being a leader in your business
- Leading people
- Using data to inform on process and strategy
- Leading successful change
Continually learning is a passion of mine, so when Adrian Hackett told me about a leadership apprenticeship, my interest was well and truly piqued. Plus, he’d be my Account Manager again – he was the one who helped me set up my first Apprenticeship Scheme all those years ago, and we’ve been friends ever since.
Who is eligible to take the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship?
To be eligible, you need to have:
- The right to work in the UK.
- Lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years.
- At least a grade of 4/C GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English (Note: those of you like me who did their GCSEs sooooooooooooooo long ago, can choose to opt out).
- Not previously studied the course content.
- Not undertake any other qualification during your apprenticeship.
- To be able to apply your learning to your current job role.
How can Avrion afford the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship?
If you work for a small business – i.e. you do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy tax – and would like to increase the leadership and management capabilities in your organisation, the Government will fund 95% of the programme cost with your organisation co-investing the remaining 5% (£700 or £39 per month).
If you work for a larger enterprise organisation, your organisation pays the Apprenticeship Levy tax so the full programme costs can be paid via your Apprenticeship Levy funds.
How will I be assessed at the end of the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship?
Once the apprenticeship programme is complete, I will be assessed through an End Point Assessment (EPA) by an independent body.
There are two parts of the End Point Assessment:
Strategic business proposal and presentation with questioning
A strategic proposal is agreed between me, Avrion and the End Point Assessment Organisation. I’ll complete it over up to 12 weeks, and then present it to the assessors, live.
Assessors then probe me on the proposal during a question and answer session, either online via video conferencing, or face to face. I’ll be opting for the former to fit in with my work/home responsibilities.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Throughout the apprenticeship programme, I will be submitting evidence of my 20% off the job learning (employers have to commit to giving the apprentice this time). This can include eLearning, attending webinars, coaching sessions (included as part of this apprenticeship), even watching TV e.g. The Apprentice.
So, this professional discussion will cover everything submitted as part of my professional development and portfolio completed during the apprenticeship programme.
What qualifications will I gain through the Level 7 Strategic Leader Apprenticeship?
I’ll gain the following formal qualifications:
- Level 7 CMI Qualification
- Higher Apprenticeship Certificate
- Chartered Manager Fellow
What am I hoping to achieve from the Level 7 Strategic Leader Apprenticeship?
Before I start my apprenticeship, I want to hold myself accountable to what I want to achieve:
1. Develop my leadership style through 1:1 Business coaching
Tailored support, Coaching, advising and challenging you to reach your goals. Skills Coaches bring a wealth of knowledge to connect the course to your role and priorities, right now
2. Gain a better understanding of management through applied learning
A comprehensive introduction to key managerial roles and responsibilities, and develop the core skills and knowledge required for a successful career in management.
3. Take advantage of the unlimited workshops
Sessions are available across a broad range of subjects, including: emotional intelligence, values based leadership, project scoping, delegating, time management
4. Witness Leadership in Action
Free access to our Leadership in action webinar series. Join inspiring leaders from around the world as they share their thoughts on some of the most important leadership topics of the day.
5. Achieve accredited qualifications
KnowledgeBrief is a Strategic Partner with the Chartered Management Institute and all learners receive a CMI certificate as part of their management apprenticeship course.
6. Utilise the extensive Business Library
Our Business in brief library condenses the knowledge you need into easily understood formats. With over 500 of the most effective business techniques included with every course.
7. Keep up to date with completing and submitting evidence of my off the job learning
A comprehensive introduction to key managerial roles and responsibilities, and develop the core skills and knowledge required for a successful career in management.
8. Demonstrate my new skills via Chartered Manager status
Get chartered with all our business, leadership and management apprenticeships, 96% use Chartered Manager as proof of effectively leading people and managing change.
More information about apprenticeships
If you want to read more information about apprenticeships, you may find these other blogs useful:
Apprenticeships are the Secret to Long-Term Business Growth
National Apprenticeship Week: A Day in the Life of an Apprentice
Avrion’s Success Story: National Apprenticeship Week 2023
How does an Apprenticeship Work?
Digital Marketer Apprenticeship
So, wish my luck and watch out for more updates as I have more knowledge to share. Please let me know if you have any questions both from my personal and Avrion’s perspective. Get in touch with me and connect via LinkedIn. I’m happy to answer any questions and point you in the right direction.
