Ashridge Future Leaders Programme
Managers are key to business success, overseeing systems, processes, and teams to drive productivity.
This Level 5 apprenticeship equips managers with the necessary skills to enhance team performance and optimise operations.
Program Highlights
Programme Overview
This apprenticeship is centered on six core themes—skills which are at the heart of what it takes to be an effective operational manager and leader. These themes are: leading teams, managing stakeholders, driving change, operational planning & execution, finance and a final work-based project.
Each unit is delivered over a six-week period via fortnightly online webinars and workshops.
Apprentices will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to successfully complete the L5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship, including an on-program work-based project in preparation for the End Point Assessment. On-program assignments are set and marked by CMI, leading to an integrated Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management issued by the Chartered Management Institute.
"Level 5 apprentices rapidly develop the behaviours they need to become effective leaders and managers in their workplace."
Ofsted Inspector
January 2025
Core Module A
Creating & Delivering Operational Plans
Outcomes
Understand principles of operational planning
Create an operational plan in line with organisational objectives
Able to manage and lead the delivery of an operational plan and monitor and measure its outcome
Core Module B
Managing Finance
Outcomes
Understand the finance function
Able to set and manage budgets
Core Module C
Managing Stakeholders
Outcomes
Grasp the types of stakeholders and their relationship to the organisation
Learn frameworks for stakeholder management
Manage stakeholder relationships and how to measure the impact of stakeholder engagement
Core Module D
Managing Change
Outcomes
Understand reasons for change
Grasp approaches to change management
Initiate, plan & manage change
Core Module E
Conducting a Management Project
Outcomes
Know how to plan a management project
Understand how to conduct a management project
Core Module F
Managing & Leading Teams
Outcomes
Understand the principles of developing, managing and leading individuals and teams to achieve success
Managing, leading & supporting success
Balancing skills & experience
Studying with Hult
We take a blended approach to learning at Hult. We place a strong emphasis on networks, and providing the opportunity to learn from and contribute to the learning of your peers.
The Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship is delivered in a fully remote model which includes live online lectures with colleagues in your cohort, self-directed study and a variety of assessments to ensure that your learning is being applied effectively in your workplace.
Learning and assessments are contextualised to apprentices’ work environments. Apprentices are encouraged to apply their learning at work for maximum impact. This program provides the knowledge, skills and behaviours that underpin the Operations Manager Apprenticeship, supported by real-world application and the benefit of a recognised professional qualification.
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Francesca Altamura is a Level 5 graduate and is Sustainability Lead in her organisation. In this short video she shares her thoughts after we invited her to talk at our Alumni Reunion Day.
Off-the-job training
Off-the-job training is a mandatory requirement of all apprenticeships. Apprentices must be able to demonstrate at least 6 hours per week of off-the-job training for the duration of their apprenticeship.
Off-the-job training must be completed during contracted working hours, and we provide an online tool to track progress.
Funding & admissions
This programme is fully funded under the UK apprenticeship levy for employers in England.
We work with employers to set the selection criteria for their apprenticeships. A strong personal motivation to benefit from and contribute to the programme is essential. The support of a line manager is vital in the success of the apprentice, providing access to off-the-job training, time to complete work-based assignments and regular progress reviews.
Skills Scan - to be completed by all applicants and their line managers
A levels (work experience will be considered in place of formal qualifications)
Candidates will typically have five GCSEs at Grade C or higher, including English and Maths, and hold a minimum of 48 UCAS points (or equivalent)
Funding rules require individuals to be employed and working at least 50% in England
Programme Funding
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| Programme Funding + End Point Assessment | Fully funded through Apprenticeship Levy (Funding band 9,000 GBP) |
Application Processs
To ensure we match candidates with the right apprenticeship, we go through a pre-application process with employers before we take applications.
01 Talk to your line manager
If you are an employee wishing to study this apprenticeship, the first step is to talk to your line manager.
If we are not already working with your employer, we will need to set this up before you can apply.
02 Attend an Information & Guidance session
Now that we are working with your employer to deliver this apprenticeship, the next step is for you to attend an IAG. This is a session for employees to talk to Hult Ashridge, explore the apprenticeship in more detail and make sure it is right for you.
03 Skills scan & suitability check
Both you and your line manager will complete a Skills Scan, which will identify how much new learning this apprenticeship will provide. By mapping the apprenticeship against your job description and career goals, we can ensure that you are eligible to receive the funding for this apprenticeship.
04 Gather your evidence
Before embarking on the online application process, it is worth making sure you have all of the certificate and evidence to demonstrate your eligibility. This may include:
- Your CV
- Degree or qualification certificates
- Job description
05 Complete an online application
Provide your personal, employment and education details on our application platform, and upload the evidence you have gathered in the previous step.
06 Sit back and wait
Our faculty and admissions team will review your application, alongside the funding rules and eligibility criteria.
We may as you for more information if needed.
Once your application is accepted, you will receive an offer letter from our admissions team, as well as guidance on next steps.
To find out more about this apprenticeship, get in touch with us today.
Faculty
Our apprenticeship faculty are practitioners first, academics second. They have real, lived experience of business and boardrooms, as well as a commitment to academic rigour and research.
Academic Director
Sinead McNeill
PhD, MA, ACMA, CIPD
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The Skills Scan is a vital part of the apprenticeship application process for apprentices and line managers.
If you have any questions about our apprenticeships and how they can work for your organisation, our apprenticeships team are here to help.
Level 7 Funding Is Going Soon—Act Now!
Apply by 16 May
Government funding for Level 7 is likely to be withdrawn soon.
Our May cohort could be the last chance for your organisation to upskill its senior leaders using levy funding. Upskilling your existing leaders saves up to £75K compared to recruiting externally. Apply by 16th of May.
Ashridge (Bonar Law Memorial) Trust is registered on the list of approved apprenticeship providers. UK PRN 10008899