Future Leaders Programmes

Don’t just ask for experience. Build it.

Flexible CMI-backed programmes for FE colleges, training providers and employers to help young people build workplace confidence, early-career leadership skills and recognised professional status. Delivered by partners and employers, with CMI providing the programme framework, quality assurance, membership support and Foundation Chartered Manager recognition.

Who is it for?

Designed for FE colleges, training providers and employers who want to strengthen youth employability, early talent pipelines and progression into work.

Young people need confidence

The transition from education to work can feel unclear, isolated, and difficult to navigate, frequently triggering imposter syndrome.

Employers need stronger pipelines

New starters must quickly demonstrate the right professional behaviours to perform confidently and stop the high costs of early-career turnover.

Providers need employability impact

Education providers require practical, scalable routes to turn classroom learning into visible workplace capability.

The Future Leaders Solution

CMI’s Future Leaders Academy Suite bridges the gap. The programmes address both sides of the early talent challenge by delivering essential everyday leadership skills to young people, while equipping first-line managers with the practical tools to onboard, coach and retain them effectively. This streamlined approach brings the best elements of professional development into a flexible model that can sit alongside existing qualifications, study programmes, apprenticeships or employer-led development.

* Shaped by real employer needs, young people’s experiences and market insight thanks to extensive youth, FE and employer focus groups and wider CMI research.

48%

of young people feel confident about making the transition from education into their first career role.

78%

of young people believe that education focuses too heavily on academic theory and not on the practical human skills needed to succeed at work.

86%

of young employees say it’s important that managers receive training on how to effectively support people at the start of their careers.

Why choose CMI?

Professional recognition

Built around CMI’s Chartered pathway, with 92% of accredited managers describing Chartered Manager status as the ultimate benchmark and a powerful competitive advantage.

Immediate workplace impact

The programmes are built for real business environments, with 91% of Foundation Chartered Managers having delivered at least one tangible benefit to their organisation.

Stronger talent pipelines

Providing a clear professional identity early in a career helps young people establish long-term professional habits.

Partner-ready delivery

Delivered by FE colleges, training providers and employers, with CMI providing the framework, quality assurance, learning resources, membership support and Chartered pathways.

Ready to develop the next generation of leaders?

Whether you are looking to strengthen your youth talent pipeline, improve early-career retention or expand your employability offer as an education provider, our team can help you explore how the Future Leaders Programmes can work for you.

Are you looking for information:

Which area of CMI are you interested in?

Your privacy is important to us. For details on how we use your data please see CMI’s Privacy Notice.

Thank you for your enquiry

The team will be in touch as soon as possible.