The Open University Senior Leader Apprenticeship provides current and future leaders and senior managers with high-level leadership and management skills, core competencies and desired behaviours to become more effective leaders.

Our Senior Leader Apprenticeship develops inclusive leaders who are responsible for developing ethical, innovative and supportive cultures with the ability to deliver results, manage complexity and instigate change. Apprentices receive high-quality higher education learning from our triple-accredited Business School and can instantly apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills into their working environment.

It also provides employers with a useful tool to further develop and retain staff and build a pipeline for the future.

Why choose The Open University's Senior Leader Apprenticeship?

• Delivered flexibly around the demands of your organisation. Requires minimal time away from the workplace, using our tutor-supported, rich-media online learning methods. 
• 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 top 1% of business schools worldwide.
• Apprentices can apply what they learn immediately into practice, for the positive benefit of the organisation.
• Since 2016, The Open University (OU) has offered apprenticeships to help organisations grow their own talent. In England, The Open University offers higher and degree-level programmes in healthcare, policing, social work, digital and management.

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A strategic leader is someone who has senior management responsibility, which may include formal governance or director responsibilities. They are responsible for setting strategy, direction and vision, for providing a clear sense of purpose and driving strategic intent.

The apprenticeship is suitable for current and future senior leaders in organisations of all sizes in the private, public or third sectors. It is for new and existing employees who are responsible for, or looking to progress into, managing projects, tasks or people and who will be gaining new skills, knowledge and behaviours as part of the apprenticeship.

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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.

In addition to the eligibility criteria above applicants also need to satisfy the following academic, work experience and language entry requirements.

Academic requirements

There are three ways to meet the academic requirements:

1. Bachelors degree with honours awarded by a UK university or equivalent.
2. Bachelors degree without honours awarded by a UK university or equivalent plus completion of either:
   • the discontinued OU module Managing 1: organisations and people (B628) or
   • three of our Business Management microcredentials* or
   • the GMAT examination and achieved a result of 640 or higher.
3. No Bachelors degree - If applicants don’t hold a bachelors degree they’ll need to have completed either:
   • the OU Professional Certificate in Management (S01) or
   • six of our Business Management microcredentials*

* Any OU microcredential that includes "Business Management" at the start of the title. Further microcredentials are planned for this academic year. See the microcredentials page for further information.

Various higher education and professional qualifications are considered equivalent to an honours degree. Please contact us if a prospective apprentice holds a qualification that you believe is an equivalent level to a degree.

Work experience requirement

Applicants will need to have gained a minimum of three years’ work experience in a managerial, technical or professional role, so that they have a practical business base from which to build their postgraduate learning.

Language requirement

Applicants' spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not their first language, we recommend that they need a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please visit ielts.org for details.

English and maths

It is a requirement of the government funding of apprenticeships that if applicants cannot evidence (copies of certificates) that they have achieved English and maths at Level 2 or equivalent they will need to undertake Functional Skills at Level 2 as part of the apprenticeship.

Acceptance onto the Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme

Applicants will be required to show how they meet these requirements. This will include their CV and proof of qualifications, including English translations and NARIC/ENIC conversion of non-UK degrees as stipulated in the apprenticeship application guidance. Evaluation of the evidence will take place before applicants are accepted onto the programme.

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The programme content and assessment strategy are mapped to the Senior Leader Apprenticeship standard. Find out more about the standard.

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The apprenticeship is made up of the following seven components:

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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 OU 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 OU 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 OU 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 OU 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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BKSB English and maths Initial Assessment	Application submitted and skills audit completed and signed by line manager	1-2-1 discussion with Apprenticeship Programme Delivery Manager (APDM)	Overall Initial Assessment including prior qualifications (RPL), maths and English certificate and OTJ requirements	Signed Apprenticeship Agreement	Signed Commitment Statement

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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.

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