Project Management apprenticeships & qualifications

The apprenticeship standard covers monitoring and reporting project performance, using change control to manage scope, and monitoring and analysing budgets. Apprentices also learn to identify risks, implement appropriate responses and manage resources throughout the project lifecycle.

Apprentices also learn to review project business cases to ensure projects remain viable, provide data to support governance submissions and apply configuration management.
 

No. The apprenticeship standard is methodology-neutral and does not prescribe a single project management framework. Instead, apprentices develop a strong understanding of core project management principles and disciplines.

Training covers areas including the project lifecycle, governance, change control and configuration management. These skills can then be applied using the methods, processes and tools already used by the employer.
 

In practice, yes. The end-point assessment is based on a written report about a real project. Before assessment, the assessment organisation must approve the project's title and scope through a scoping document of no more than 500 words.

The project itself is not directly assessed and can be of any size. Apprentices can work on a project as part of a wider team, provided that the report and presentation they submit are their own work.
 

The apprenticeship is designed for people who are already involved in project work. This could include employees delivering project tasks, leading people, or supporting and managing change. It is aimed at people with some exposure to projects.

Entry is assessed through a vocational skills assessment with Total People rather than being based on fixed academic requirements.
 

The Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship typically takes 18 months on programme. Apprentices must complete at least 12 months before they can be put forward for assessment.

A separate assessment period follows the gateway, so employers should allow for the overall apprenticeship to continue for several months beyond the training period.
 

Before moving to end-point assessment, apprentices must submit a project scoping document and a portfolio of evidence developed throughout the programme. They must also provide the relevant organisational policies.

The apprentice, employer and training provider then meet to confirm that the apprentice is ready for assessment. The required Level 2 English and maths must also be in place.
 

The end-point assessment consists of two assessment methods.

First, apprentices complete a written project report of around 3,500 words. They then present their project and answer questions from an independent assessor.

The second assessment is a professional discussion supported by the apprentice's portfolio. This gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate how they have applied their project management knowledge and skills in the workplace.
 

Apprentices complete the Level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship Standard, which aligns with Association for Project Management associate membership.

Total People also provides access to Chartered Management Institute membership benefits, while Functional Skills in English and maths are available where required.

The standard identifies project manager as a potential progression route. Apprentices can progress towards this through the Level 6 integrated degree apprenticeship.
 

Apprentices complete a minimum of 348 hours of off-the-job training, as set nationally under the apprenticeship funding rules. Training combines remote webinars, practical activities, work shadowing and self-directed study.

Employers also provide access to a live project and employer-led mentoring, allowing apprentices to apply their learning directly within the workplace.

The apprenticeship can be used to develop existing employees as well as new recruits. Total People works with employers on upskilling existing staff who are taking on greater project management responsibilities.
 

For non-levy employers, apprenticeship training is fully funded for apprentices aged 16 to 21. Since 1 August 2026, this full funding has also applied to apprentices aged 22 to 24.

For apprentices aged 25 and over, the government funds 95% of the training costs. The employer contributes the remaining 5%, with the funding band capped at £7,000.

Apprentices must be paid at least £8.00 per hour, which is the apprentice National Minimum Wage rate from April 2026. Employers can choose to pay more than the minimum.

For further information, visit our employer apprenticeship funding page.