Free management training for the over-50's

‘Age No Concern’ for New Management Programme

 A new part-time programme for experienced managers with no formal qualifications has been launched by Manchester Metropolitan University Business School and it’s free for the over-50s.

The Certificate in Professional Studies – Management and Leadership builds on the knowledge and experience managers and entrepreneurs have gained in the workplace and updates their working practices with the latest management techniques through a series of workshops and project-based assignments. As this is a dual award, students on the programme also receive a Chartered Management Institute Diploma in Management and are able to apply for individual Chartered Manager status.

The next course runs from September to December and participants will attend 13 study days. Usually, the course costs £1,850 but it is completely free for those aged 50 plus thanks to funding from the European Union.

The pilot course achieved some great results. Some employers used it to retain experienced staff whilst some organisations, that have had to make redundancies, have used the course to improve the employability of staff who will soon be re-entering the jobs market. IT Project Manager David Taylor, 58, faces redundancy in October and was one of six staff from Greater Manchester Police to undertake the course.  He says:

“I’ve supported a number of colleagues through external management courses but was always deemed too senior to complete any myself and internal training wasn’t professionally graded. The Certificate in Professional Studies - Management and Leadership was recommended to me and it’s proved invaluable.  I found the finance module very comprehensive and my new marketing skills will help tremendously, I’ve already been able to complete a skill-matching exercise with much more confidence.

“For me, the personal development module completely changed my outlook and approach to redundancy.  It taught me the importance of looking forward, even beyond employment to retirement, and I’m now exploring jobs that will give me a range of new skills.  Redundancy isn’t personal and people can either see themselves as a victim or take it as an opportunity to stop, look at what you really to do and change direction.”

Dick France, finance tutor for the programme, comments: “The Certificate in Professional Studies Management & Leadership is a great introduction for those without formal qualifications.  In addition to strengthening their position when applying for jobs, it also shows employers that they are actively improving their chances of getting another job.  We have an ageing population in Britain and it’s important both employers and employees take steps to prolong productive working life.”

 There are no formal entry requirements for the programme but candidates must be over 25 years of age, have at least two year’s managerial experience and be able to demonstrate significant business-related experience.

The next start date for the course is September but there will be two further start dates in 2012.

For further information or to apply for the programme please go to www.business.mmu.ac.uk or call Jan Ivan-Duke on 0161 247 2326.