A collaborative End-Point Assessment (EPA) partnership between Aston University and CMI is equipping aspiring managers with the confidence and skills to make an impact across sectors. Through the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA), apprentices gain practical expertise aligned with industry standards. We spoke to three second-year apprentices and Programme Director Kerry Westhead to explore the programme’s growing impact.

Strategic growth

Since 2016, Aston University has shaped its management apprenticeships to reflect the evolving challenges faced by employers. A hands-on, industry-aligned approach was essential to bridge the gap between classroom theory and the realities of the workplace. “We started delivering management apprenticeships to meet changing employer needs,” says Kerry Westhead, Programme Director at Aston University. “It was important that we created training pathways to support a real breadth of prospective apprentices, reflecting their differing experiences.”

Choosing CMI as the End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) was an easy decision. Kerry notes the professional credibility that the partnership brings:

CMI has given us the vital external validation we need, allowing Aston’s students to benefit from mapping our training against recognised qualifications.

This trusted collaboration not only addresses the complexity of delivering management training across industries, but it also helps to drive Aston’s long-term strategic vision for leadership education.

Start with the end in mind

The partnership embeds CMI guidance and resources throughout the learner journey, from induction right through to EPA.

“CMI supports Aston from the outset. We benefit from CMI’s focused support sessions, which give our apprentices everything they need to succeed. Our apprentices engage with CMI because of their reputation as a professional body.”

For apprentices like Sumayyah Islam, currently at BMW Group, this clarity is invaluable.

The CMI EPA resources have made it simple to track my progress, so that I’m constantly aligning my work with the right standards. Having that combination of clear guidance and one-on-one support has made a big difference in my confidence.

Jake Slack, an apprentice within the aerospace industry, agrees. “From structured evidence collection guides to insights into the assessment process itself, CMI support resources have been really beneficial. I have been able to thoroughly consider my EPA project in advance and collect the right evidence.”

This collaborative approach has helped to deliver tangible evidence, according to Kerry. “The results speak for themselves - our latest cohort achieved a fantastic Distinction rate of 86%.”

Turning theory into practice

Aston’s management apprentices highlight how the CMI-assessed CMDA is allowing them to directly apply their newfound knowledge.

Operations Director Megan Caulkett, from catering and hospitality business Gather & Gather, is already seeing the benefits. “The apprenticeship and CMI’s learning resources offer the perfect opportunity to upskill. I now have the theory-based knowledge to make new connections in my day-to-day, giving me an added layer of confidence in my work.”

Sumayyah agrees: “The CMI learning resources offer techniques I can use straight away. When I carried out a recent coaching session for an assignment, I was able to use CMI’s templates to create a consistent structure. This has been vital learning to apply in the fast-moving automotive industry.”

Aston’s apprentices and their employers have also seen real business benefits. “Through the CMI-assessed apprenticeship with Aston University, I can bring greater value,” notes Jake. “This is my first full-time job and I’ve worked on projects that genuinely provide better outcomes, from doing process improvements to military fleet analysis data collection. I have a better understanding of how my organisation operates due to the support from Aston and CMI.”

According to Megan:

People underestimate the power of apprenticeships in contributing towards business objectives. Through the CMDA, I’m more strategic and better able to drive growth.

Careers with credibility

Whether early in their journey or climbing the ladder, Aston’s apprentices gain more than a qualification, they build long-term career progression.

“The involvement of CMI gives the apprenticeship a level of credibility,” highlights Sumayyah. “The route to becoming a Chartered Manager is also a valuable career step as I progress at BMW Group.”

“Even after the EPA, I want to continue to bring value,” echoes Jake. “I’ll keep using CMI tools to enable my aspirations, leading people and passing on my learnings.”

The same is true for Megan, whose career started 17 years ago: “Apprenticeships have opened my mind to the possibilities of learning and catapulted my career.”

“CMI is all about management excellence,” surmises Kerry.

For a forward-thinking, supportive employer, it’s a perfect opportunity, in terms of the benefit that the Aston and CMI partnership brings.

Learn more about CMI EPA

Offer your learners a top-tier, independent assessment, along with access to exclusive resources as well as a pathway to becoming a Chartered Manager.

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