Apprentices are at the heart of the programme and have an active role to play not only to attend and complete the taught modules but also to engage with the end-point-assessment throughout the apprenticeship.

• Further guidance on the taught element of the apprentices can be found in the learners handbook

• Copies of the Level 7 Apprentices standard and the end point assessment plan can be found on the Institute for Apprentices website

The apprenticeship is foremost a work-based learning programme and as such the employing organisation is the sponsor of the apprenticeship. It is their role to provide the Apprentice with learning opportunities to develop their senior leader knowledge, skills, and behaviours and to ensure that the Apprentice is transferring their development in a way that benefits their teams and the organisation. The employer contracts with the University to provide the formal off-the-job-training element, and the Independent Assessment Organisation (CMI) to undertake End Point Assessment, and contract with the Apprentices to provide them with an apprenticeship and employment.

The University and the Apprenticeship Organisation meet regularly to monitor overall progress of the apprenticeship.

This happens in part through Tripartite meetings but we also meet with the Apprenticeship Organisation at least every 6-months to ensure that we as the Training Provider are fully supporting the organisation in their apprenticeship proposition. This meeting is facilitated by the Programme Director and the Apprenticeship Organisation and occurs outsider of the tripartite meetings. The Apprentice does not normally attend these meetings.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that each Apprentice is assigned a named Workplace Mentor (WPM) who is responsible for:

• Championing the apprenticeship journey,

• Ensuring that the Apprentice has access to appropriate on-the-job learning opportunities,

• Ensuring that the organisation is benefiting from the investment in the apprenticeship.

WPM’s can make all the difference in an apprenticeship and the role must not be taken lightly. WPM’s need to be knowledgeable, skilled, and supportive. They are expected to meet their Apprentice regularly (we recommend at least monthly) in addition to the 6 (approx. every 4-months) tri-partite meetings that take place with the Academic and Practice Mentor.

The University

Under apprenticeship funding rules, the University is classed as an apprenticeship training provider and throughout the programme we deliver a series of modules that provide the Apprentice with input into developing knowledge, skills and behaviours required. We also work with WPM’s to ensure that the Apprentice is progressing on the apprenticeship.

Apprentices on our SLA have the opportunity to gain a Post Graduate Diploma n Strategic Leadership and Management qualification subject to meeting the regulations (see the student handbook),. By encompassing this qualification within the apprenticeship the University is also acting as an Awarding Body and as such our modules are also governed as a recognised awarding body.

Personal tutors.

As our SLA encompasses a level 7 qualification, each Apprentice is allocated a named Personal Tutor to support the development of study, research and writing skills required at this level.

Each Apprentice will have a named Academic and Practice Mentor (APM). APM’s are a critical resource, they work with the Apprentice and their nominated WPM to ensure that the Apprentice can meet the requirements of the apprenticeship and that they:

• Have sufficient time to complete the apprenticeship,

• Have appropriate access to activities to support the development of KSBs specifically in areas not covered in the apprentices ‘day job’ at a senior level,

Have input into developing their ‘evidence’ and strategic research project to support the end-point-assessment.