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.

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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 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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Before an apprenticeship begins, The Open University is required to conduct an initial assessment of each applicant who wishes to become an apprentice. They assess prior learning to establish if the individual has already covered parts of the knowledge and skills set out in the apprenticeship (recognition of prior learning) or what prior experience an individual has. Employers are also involved in this process, that is called initial assessment. During this assessment, The Open University also establishes whether the apprenticeship is an appropriate training programme for them. This assessment considers the whole standard, not just English and maths, which however is an important part of it.

The initial assessment may identify, for example, that an apprenticeship may not be suitable for an individual because their level of prior learning and experience may be too high; therefore, a higher level apprenticeship or another type of training could be a suitable alternative and is more appropriate for the individual.

The Open University also assesses whether the minimum eligibility requirements for off-the-job training are met and will set the duration of the apprentice contract dependent on prior learning.

Visit the Short Guide for Apprentices for more details.

English and maths (functional skills)

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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Are you an employee interested in applying for an apprenticeship?

To apply you first need to gain approval from your employer. Please contact your organisation with an expression of interest. If your employer is happy to support your application, they will then contact us.

Contact us

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The Education and Skills Funding Agency requires that at least 20 per cent of an apprentice’s working week is dedicated to off-the-job learning. Additional paid off-the-job time is required for apprentices needing to complete English and maths (Functional Skills) qualifications. The Open University’s tutor-supported blended learning gives the employer and the apprentice the flexibility to pick the most suitable times around organisational and personal needs – minimising the impact on day-to-day productivity.

Travel costs and expenses are also minimised, as most apprentices don’t have to attend day or block release sessions.

At present the face-to-face days on the programme are being delivered via online meeting rooms. It is a compulsory requirement for learners to attend these days. The Open University is currently reviewing the safe delivery of on-campus face-to-face days and the programme team will be guided by the university and the Statutory Health Profession Regulators in reviewing online and on-campus delivery. Employers and learners will be advised in advance of any changes to the delivery pattern.

Online delivery is both varied and interactive, using rich media formats that engage and enthuse apprentices on their journey. Learning can be accessed 24/7 on computers, tablets and mobile devices. Online forums and tutorials as well as email and telephone communication are used to support apprentices throughout the programme.

INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS

Develop the relevant skills for your organisation, improve productivity and achieve higher staff morale.

INFORMATION FOR APPRENTICES

Earn while you learn and develop the skills you need to gain access to sectors you want to work in.

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