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Are you a senior leader or aspiring to take the step up? Is 2024 the right time for you to advance your career and gain a competitive edge? If so, you may want to consider the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship, a work-based programme now available to Sussex colleagues.

The Apprenticeship team has sourced three options for senior staff to gain a Level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management. Most of the study time is during working hours and accreditations for either Chartered Manager or Chartered Fellow Status are available on completion. Find out more below about each of the options and how to apply.

Senior leader apprenticeship options

Option 1

An online programme delivered by KnowledgeBrief resulting in the Level 7 CMI Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management with Chartered Fellow Status accreditation. The programme duration is 21 months with quarterly starts throughout the year.

Option 2

A hybrid degree programme delivered via online and face-to-face lessons (block release and evening classes) at the University of Brighton resulting in a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership with Chartered Manager accreditation. This programme starts in September 2024 with enrolments required by June. Apprentices may top up to a full MBA award by studying two additional modules (60 credits). This carries an additional cost that cannot be financed via apprenticeship funding, likely to be approximately £6,000. Duration is 24 months with an additional five months for the end point assessment.

Option 3

An online degree programme delivered by Arden University which includes an Executive MBA (Arden University) as a free addition. This programme also delivers the Level 7 CMI Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice with Chartered Manager status. Duration is 24 months with an additional five months for the MBA units. This programme starts in April 2024 and enrolments must be completed by 28 February.

All training and assessment costs for the apprenticeship are covered by the Apprenticeship Levy so there is no cost to the apprentice or their department (except the additional costs for the University of Brighton MBA top up).

How to apply

If you are interested in starting the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship, you will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be currently working as a senior leader or have the potential to do so in the near future.
• You must have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above or equivalent.
• You must have a 2:2 Undergraduate Degree or higher or equivalent or at least five years in management.

You will also require the support of your line manager to apply. They will need to agree to the terms and conditions of the apprenticeship including the duration, off-the-job learning hours, mentorship and the end-point assessment.

General apprenticeship information and guidance is available on the staff apprenticeship webpage and in particular in the Staff Apprenticeships handbook (located at the end of the webpage).  Look out for an interview soon from Gemma Harman who recently achieved her apprenticeship with KnowledgeBrief.

If you would like more detailed information or an informal meeting to find out more about these programmes or any other apprenticeship, please email: staffapprenticeships@sussex.ac.uk