Senior Leader Apprenticeship

Level 7 Apprenticeship, SLA

Designed by employers, working with CMI, to develop the strategic leadership skills of those responsible for the overall performance and long-term sustainability of their organisations.

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship is a route to Chartered Manager (CMgr) or Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) status. Depending on the type of programme and your level of experience, you can automatically achieve these prestigious accolades upon completion of your apprenticeship, without the need for further assessments.

  • Qualification level: Level 7
  • Typical Entry requirements: None - determined by employer
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Professional registration links: Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI) or Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI)

Who is it for?

It is designed for any individual moving into a senior or strategic management role. This can include General Managers, Senior Managers, Section Leaders, Executives, Directors, COO, CFO, CEO, CIO roles, and senior military officers.

Responsibilities

A strategic leader with senior management responsibility, which may include formal governance/director responsibilities. Responsible for setting strategy, direction and vision, for providing a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent.

Funding

This apprenticeship standard has been allocated a maximum funding cap of £14,000 which is the anticipated full cost for delivering this standard and the End Point Assessment (EPA).

Key Documents & Guidance

Standard and Assessment Plan
Apprenticeship Information (Qualification Specification)

Please note: The previous version, Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship (SLMDA) 1.0, retired on 29/03/21.

How it works

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship is an exciting work-based route towards developing professionally competent senior managers and leaders. It includes:

  • work-based learning which means that the apprentice is in paid employment for the duration of their apprenticeship and receives on the job training and support
  • business education through a University/ Higher Education Provider leading to a relevant qualification in management
  • Through both of the above, apprentices are able to acquire knowledge and skills, and prepare for the End Point Assessment.

Get in touchEnd Point Assessment

Royal Charter Icon

Backed by our Royal Charter

We are the only professional body able to award Chartered Manager Status. On completion of your apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI) or Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) status

Three people speaking icon

CMI Support

A support package can be offered alongside apprenticeships giving unlimited access to online resources mapped to the apprenticeship journey, as well as in person support for the apprentices, access to the CMI community and mentoring during their apprenticeship

Laptop with Mortarboard Icon

Professional Development

The apprenticeship delivers a professional pathway and the ongoing development of knowledge, skills and behaviours required by employers

UK Map

Supported Digital Delivery

Digital support is available, with content and practical resources mapped to the apprenticeship standard

cta-bg-questionmark-white30

Common Questions

The Senior Leadership Apprenticeship can take up to two years to complete but can take less depending on the prior experience of the individual and the specification of the employer. Some Universities/ Higher Education Providers offer a ‘fast track’ model to accommodate experienced managers.

All Trailblazer apprenticeships are required to have an end-point assessment that is carried out by an independent body. Apprentices must pass the end-point assessment in order to achieve the apprenticeship certificate.

The end point assessment for the Senior Leader Apprenticeship involves a project showcase, based on a work based project, including a report, presentation and questioning; and a professional discussion based on a review of a portfolio of evidence. It takes place between the Independent Apprenticeship Assessor and the apprentice.

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is responsible for the quality of degrees offered as part of apprenticeships. The end-point assessment body is responsible for the quality of assessors, ensuring that a consistent standard is achieved and maintained.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) regulates the quality of apprenticeships. The IfATE’s role is also to advise on setting funding caps, and approve apprenticeship standards and assessment plans.

Yes – apprentices that successfully complete all parts of the Senior Leadership Apprenticeship will receive a full apprenticeship certificate.

To be able to deliver an apprenticeship a provider must be registered on the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR).

Meet the Management Apprentices

Management apprentices are changing the face of management and leadership across the UK. Creating conscious, confident leaders ready to take on any professional challenge. Meet our management apprentices and see what they had to say.

More case studies

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship was such a brilliant opportunity and was the first time I had really thought about an apprenticeship as something you could pursue at any stage in your career – rather than when you’re just starting out.

Max May, Director and CEO, Rural Arts

Start your apprenticeship journey today

Looking to start your journey or need a little more information? Find a centre, or get in touch with the team about Partnering with CMI today.

Get in touchFind a centreBecome a centre

Management Apprenticeships

Group with sticky notes

Level 3 Team Leader/ Supervisor

Designed for aspiring, supervisory or first-line managers, the Level 3 apprenticeship offers practical knowledge and skills from team leading to project and resource management.
Woman giving lecture

Level 5 Operations/ Departmental Manager

For mid-managers, Level 5 focuses on developing core management skills such as managing resources, recruitment and information management.
Woman giving presentation

Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship

For middle and senior managers, the CMDA offers the triple guarantee of a quality degree, on-the-job experience and a professional pathway for future development.

Find a centre

Find a training provider near you to get started on your apprenticeship journey today

Find a centre