Apprenticeships in Management: Developing the Next Wave of Leaders

The business landscape is constantly evolving, demanding a new generation of leaders equipped to navigate complex challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

But where do these leaders come from? The answer lies within your organisation.

Unfortunately, data shows that 82% of managers who enter management positions have not had any proper management and leadership training – they’re “accidental managers” who have been promoted internally, without proper training.

However, the same study shows that accidental managers can cause a toxic work environment, which can decrease employee retention and productivity. That’s why it’s crucial for anyone who finds themselves in an “accidental” management role to work on gaining the knowledge and skills needed to foster a healthy, positive work environment.

This blog explores the power of management apprenticeships as a solution for cultivating the next wave of business leaders from within.

We'll discuss:

• The structure of these programmes
• The benefits of nurturing talent internally
• How Total People can help you design and implement a successful management apprenticeship programme.

Let's dive in.

The structure of management apprenticeships

Management apprenticeships are an effective way to cultivate the next generation of business leaders. These programmes combine practical experience with theoretical knowledge, creating a well-rounded learning journey.

Read our blog on everything you need to know about management apprenticeships for more insight!

Here's a closer look at the core elements that make them so successful:

On-the-job training

Apprentices gain invaluable hands-on experience by working alongside seasoned managers and teams.

This allows them to observe leadership styles in action, apply classroom learnings to real-world scenarios, and develop essential skills needed to be a manager.

Off-the-job learning

Apprentices participate in online workshops covering leadership principles, financial management, human resources, and industry-specific topics.

This formal learning complements the on-the-job experience and equips them with a strong theoretical foundation.

Mentorship

A dedicated mentor acts as a guide for the apprentice, providing them with valuable support, answering questions, offering career advice, and helping to navigate challenges.

At Total People, we connect apprentices with industry veterans  who serve as dedicated mentors, leveraging their years of management experience to guide apprentices to success.

What does an apprentice learn during a management apprenticeship?

These programmes equip apprentices with a powerful toolkit, including:

• Leadership skills: Effective communication, delegation, motivation, team building, conflict resolution, coaching and development.
• Business acumen: Financial management, budgeting, strategic planning, project management, understanding of key performance indicators.
• Human resource management: Recruitment, selection, performance management, employee relations, basics of employment law.
• Industry-specific knowledge: Knowledge of the specific industry, its regulations, and best practices.
• Soft skills: Critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, time management, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
• Digital literacy: Proficiency in using relevant software applications and technology tools for communication, project management, and data analysis.

One of the things I underestimated at the beginning of the course was the theoretical knowledge that Niki, our apprentice, would gain to give her that good grounding in leadership. I've seen our member of staff grow into their role; they now show real leadership skills, using the most appropriate ways of leading different people to get the best out of them.

Judy Boyce, Director of Excellence and Improvement at School Improvement Liverpool

Benefits of cultivating future leaders from within the business

Growing your leaders from within the organisation isn't just about loyalty – it's a strategic investment in your company's future. Promoting from within fosters a culture of engagement and motivation, as employees see clear pathways for upskilling and growth. This translates into a more invested workforce, boosting morale and overall success.

Internal hires bring a wealth of institutional knowledge to the table, as they understand the company's culture, values, and operations, ensuring a seamless leadership transition and minimising disruption.

Management apprenticeships offer a particularly cost-effective way to cultivate strong leaders. Compared to external recruitment, you get to develop talent while maximising your investment.

These programmes can also be tailored to address specific skills gaps within your existing workforce. This ensures your leadership team has the expertise needed to tackle future challenges.

Finally, nurturing talent from within leads to improved employee retention. When employees feel valued and have opportunities for advancement, they're more likely to stay with the company, promoting stability and continuity within your leadership pipeline.

There's been loads of different skills that I've learned during my apprenticeship.
I think the key things for me has been about engaging with employees, understanding different leadership styles, different behaviours and being able to put that into real life situations with the various teams that I work with.

Niki, Level 5 Apprentice in Leadership and Management at School Improvement Liverpool

The benefits of management apprenticeships with Total People

Investing in business management apprenticeships is a smart move, but choosing the right provider is key to maximising its impact. Here at Total People, we take your management apprenticeship programme to the next level, benefiting both your business and aspiring leaders.

We understand your company's unique needs. We work with you to design a customised programme that aligns with your culture, strategic goals, and leadership skills gaps.

Our apprenticeship programmes go beyond on-the-job training; apprentices receive a comprehensive curriculum with classroom learning, workshops, and online modules, leading to recognised qualifications.

Ready to build the next generation of leaders? Contact Total People today to discuss your management apprenticeship needs and explore how we can help you build a strong leadership pipeline.