The Open University's Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship provides apprentices with higher-level management skills, core competencies and desired behaviours to create leaders that can drive performance and productivity improvements in your organisation.

The programme is work-based, combines on- and off-the-job learning and development and can be delivered flexibly around the demands of your workplace.

Why choose The Open University’s Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship?

• Delivered flexibly around the demands of your organisation. Our tutor-supported, rich-media online learning methods mean only minimal time away from the workplace is required.
• Learning can be delivered simultaneously to various locations using our tried-and-trusted educational technology, providing a consistent programme for multiple staff.
• Designed and delivered by the triple accredited Open University Business School, which is ranked in the world’s top 1%.
• Unlike other universities, we have no formal entry requirements, giving you more flexibility over the candidates you’d like to develop.
• We have over 50 years’ experience of providing knowledge and skills to busy working adults and have a proven history of delivering apprenticeship programmes to organisations from the NHS to FTSE 100 companies.

Francis (Frankie) Bentley, who is an apprentice at South Western Railway, explains why he decided to apply for our Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.

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The programme is suitable for employees new into their roles looking to manage people, projects or tasks, or employees who are aspiring to be, or are in these roles already who want to further their skills and gain a formal management qualification.

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Below is a summary of the eligibility criteria as set by the government for apprentices. For further information, see the Government funding rules.

Achieving English and maths is a mandatory requirement of all apprenticeships.

Replacement exam certificate: For qualifications gained in the UK you can go to the government website to get a replacement exam certificate.

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The 3 - 4 year work-based training programme includes:

BA (Hons) Degree in Management Practice

Portfolio and work-based project

English and maths functional skills

End-point assessment

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* If required. The Open University strongly recommends that these qualifications are achieved within the first 12 months of the apprenticeship in order to have maximum benefit on academic study and workplace development.

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The apprenticeship is made up of the following seven components:

1 - The initial assessment

Will be carried out by an Apprenticeship Programme Delivery Manager. They will review apprentices’ current level of knowledge, work experience and job competencies as well as previous qualifications and maths and English skills. This is used to tailor individual learning plans to help apprentices make the most of the apprenticeship.

2 - Tutor-supported study modules

Will build understanding of the key theories, skills and competencies in taking apprentices’ leadership and management skills to a higher level. Academic Tutors will facilitate study, support learning and feedback, and mark module assessments. English and maths Functional Skills tutors will support the successful completion of these qualifications where an applicant is not able to provide evidence of prior attainment.

3 - The work-based learning modules

Guide apprentices in applying and evidencing their academic knowledge to their working practices. This often involves apprentices reflecting on their role and learning about the application of their developing skills and behaviours within the workplace. These modules are facilitated by Practice Tutors, who support learning and feedback, as well as mark the module assessments.

4 - The summative portfolio

It records work-based learning evidence, demonstrating apprentices’ application of the knowledge, skills and behaviours they have learnt. Apprentices will record how they have practically applied their newly acquired knowledge and skills in the workplace, as well as the feedback they receive from line managers, peers and direct reports.

5 - The workplace project

Is undertaken as part of apprentices’ normal work. It is a business-related project demonstrating the application of the skills and knowledge learnt during their apprenticeship.

6 - The BA (Hons) Management Practice

Awarded by The Open University.

7 - The End-point assessment (EPA)

Carried out by an independent assessment organisation chosen by the employer and determines whether apprentices have successfully met the learning requirements of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship programme.

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The Open University has the experience and support in place to help apprentices succeed and make a positive impact on practice.

In addition to designated account management support, The Open University will deploy expert staff to support your organisation and your apprentices. They will work collaboratively with the relevant roles in your organisation:

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