Unlocking Career Growth: The Power of Lower-Level Apprenticeships in Management

Building Career-Focused Skills

Management education is essential for building careers, establishing robust talent pipelines, and creating productive workforces. “Organizations excel at providing training for practical skills but often overlook management and leadership at the early stages of a person’s career,” explains Sean Kennedy, Management Apprenticeship Tutor at Skillwise. Skillwise recognizes that management and leadership require a different skill set.

Recognizing the need to widen accessibility for management skills training, Skillwise offers structured management apprenticeships, with CMI as their End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). These programs provide businesses a reliable way to upskill their workforce.

Jennifer Eyres, another Management Apprenticeships Tutor at Skillwise, emphasizes the importance of these lower-level apprenticeships. “We see many learners who haven’t engaged in formal learning since school, often due to a lack of confidence or feeling unacademic. The apprenticeship model with Skillwise and CMI has transformed that perception - it’s based on demonstrating skills and practical knowledge.”

Level 3 CMI-assessed apprenticeships build foundational skills while boosting confidence. As a springboard to further qualifications, these apprenticeships provide learners with the skills they need for career progression in a manageable, bite-sized way.

A Credible Path to Management Success

CMI’s assessment process plays a vital role in validating the achievements of Skillwise’s learners, empowering them to take ownership of their development.

“Having the independent CMI assessment provides validation and recognition that their learning is applicable to real workplace challenges,” highlights Jennifer. “CMI sets clear expectations and offers guidance at every step, allowing learners to focus on demonstrating their knowledge effectively.”

Sarah Power, also a Skillwise Management Apprenticeship Tutor, notes the impact of CMI’s structured EPA process: “Learners finish their apprenticeship ready to make an impact. The combination of Skillwise’s training and CMI’s rigorous assessment ensures they are prepared for management challenges.”

“Employers consistently report that CMI-assessed apprenticeships deliver real business benefits, equipping staff with the skills to thrive and take on new management responsibilities.”

“Learners tell me they’ve been promoted, are shadowing a line manager, or taking on their first direct report,” highlights Jennifer. “The progress is visible in real-time, leading to early promotions or additional responsibilities within their teams.”

As part of this collaboration, the CMI assessment process includes sharing insights and feedback to support Skillwise in their delivery of lower-level apprenticeships. Sean points this out as a significant benefit that leads to tangible results.

“We're proud of our Distinction rate, which is 83% across the Level 3 Business Admin and Team Leader apprenticeship standards, heavily influenced by CMI’s QA reporting and insights. Every time I tell a learner they've received a Distinction from CMI, the response is always pride and satisfaction.”

Focused on Excellence

CMI’s role as an EPAO enhances Skillwise’s apprenticeship delivery. The ability to attain Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status at Level 3 and progress towards full Chartered Manager (CMgr) status further strengthens career growth.

“Foundation Chartered Manager status is a significant differentiator,” says Sean. “Many learners on the Level 3 apprenticeship have no external qualifications, so gaining eligibility for those postnominals is a huge confidence booster.”

CMI's involvement is highly appreciated by apprentices and respected by employers, providing a high degree of transferability across industries. Learners gain more than just a certificate; they acquire the skills to manage teams, coordinate projects, and contribute strategically to their organizations.

“CMI is a supportive awarding body that is responsive and easy to work with,” concludes Sarah. “This partnership ultimately helps Skillwise to be the best provider we can be and has significantly supported us in widening our offering.”