EMPLOYER AND APPRENTICE PETITION:

Response to CMI petition contributors

Thank you to the more than 5,000 employers, providers, and apprentices who signed our petition seeking to protect investment in management and leadership (M&L) apprenticeships. Your testimonials powerfully demonstrated the positive impact these programmes have on productivity, social mobility and workplace culture.

While it is hugely disappointing that the Government has ignored the voice of employers and has now decided to defund all core M&L apprenticeships (Levels 3, 5, 6 and others) starting 1st September, at CMI we remain committed to our mission.

Looking forward

Although this change presents a challenge, CMI is already adapting to ensure employers and managers have the tools they need to succeed:

• Continued Support: All apprentices currently on a programme will remain fully funded.
  Transition Period: Larger providers will have a 9-month transition period, with new starts continuing until December.
• Remaining Standards: Funding will continue for the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship, alongside the launch of a new Level 2 Assistant Administrator route.
• New Innovations: We are now actively working with the Government, employers and providers to co-design alternative routes, including high-quality, more flexible, short courses aligned to CMI professional standards and Chartered status, Leadership for AI qualifications at L3, 5 and 7, and the modular "apprenticeship units".

The need for skilled managers and leaders is greater than ever. We look forward to working with you to develop these new opportunities and ensure both the current and next generation of leaders has a clear path to success.