Level 5 Apprenticeship Programme for Experienced Managers
Happy has developed a Level 5 programme for experienced managers who want to become modern, empowering leaders.
After completing the programme, you will understand when people work at their best and how to enable that. It is based around the principles of The Happy Manifesto and our flagship Happy Leadership Programme.
The whole programme is available at little or no additional cost, funded through the government's Apprenticeship Levy or co-investment schemes.
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Develop a leadership team that inspires trust
Why join this apprenticeship programme?
- Government-funded — Available at little or no additional cost to your organisation through the Apprenticeship Levy, or through the co-investment scheme for smaller organisations.
- High quality training at a low cost — The full cost of the programme with 20 monthly classroom sessions is just £9,000 per person. Non-Levy payers are 95% funded through the government's co-investment scheme so the whole programme is just £450 + VAT per person (plus £60 + VAT registration fee for the Institute of Leadership).
- Learn Happy management principles — Create high performing departments made up of trusted and empowered teams.
- Network with other leaders — Meet and network with your fellow leaders, with the opportunity to share ideas, celebrate achievements and give and offer support to others.
- Existing staff can enrol too — The programme is open to your existing experienced managers and heads of department of any age.
Who is this programme for?
This Level 5 programme has been developed for more experienced managers and heads of department who want to learn how to become empowering, modern leaders.
What qualification will you gain?
On completion and achievement of this apprenticeship programme, you will gain:
- Operations or Departmental Manager Level 5 apprenticeship qualification and certificate from IfATE (Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
- Departmental Manager Diploma Digital Certificate of Achievement from the Institute of Leadership
- Automatic route to Membership with the Institute, including postnominal letters (MIoL) and digital credentials
- Automatic route to CMI Chartered Manager status (CMgr MCMI) or CMI Chartered Fellow status (CMgr FCMI)
Click here to download the complete Level 5 Management Apprenticeship Programme outline
The level of support I have received from the facilitators and staff at Happy has been second to none. When I have needed feedback on assignments, I have received it quickly and it has always been tailored to my own working environment and my capabilities and opportunities.Kelly McMaster, Dogs Trust
Our next available dates
Our next cohort will begin in September 2025, with workshops being held remotely through Zoom. This is your induction, where you and your line manager will meet your facilitator and other learners, with workshops beginning one month later. Contact us to find out more and for dates of all of the online sessions.
If you would like a private group programme for your organisation, please get in touch with our team to discuss the available options, pricing and availability. These can be held anywhere in the UK, at Happy or at your workplace, or online.
Today was my last formal session as part of my Level 5 Apprenticeship. This experience has changed the course of my career for the better. The theoretical knowledge I have left with has already transformed my leadership and is beginning to have incredibly positive impacts on my workplace. But actually, it is Sarah's facilitation and my peers within my group that have been the biggest gift. Sarah has given us all the opportunity to be unashamedly ourselves, and to share our experiences, difficulties, wins and losses with no judgement. As a result, my peer group have become an incredibly strong network that I've come to rely on for support, coaching and advice. With this apprenticeship, I am a better, more compassionate leader, someone committed to forming Happy workplaces and feel equipped to tackle the challenges that come with leading departments. I have witnessed our group be the epitome of what happens when diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences come together. I have learnt from them and been challenged by them every single session - and I am better off for it. Sarah shows me that leaders are not always the loudest in the room, but are those that listen and ask the most thoughtful questions. In short, I have learnt more than I ever could have anticipated I would, and I know my career will be driven by the skills I have developed. I will miss this apprenticeship so much.Emma Halahan, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Unison: Why consider the Level 5 apprenticeship?
15 members of staff at Unison have now completed Happy's Level 5 Leadership apprenticeship programme. In this short video, Unison's staff explain how the programme has benefitted them in their role and about their experience.
Join our free 1 hour taster session
Learn more about our apprenticeship programmes, ask questions and experience the style and interactive approach of the programme with our free one-hour taster sessions.
Join us next on the 16th May (held online via Zoom).
Not what you're looking for?
Looking to develop your new or aspiring managers? We also offer a Level 3 Management Development Programme for junior and first-time managers.
Looking for a more advanced programme? Our Level 7 Senior Leadership programme is designed for CEOs and senior leaders who want to make a real cultural change in their workplace, supported by expert facilitators and personal coaching.
Looking for training over a shorter period? This programme is an extension of our four-day Happy Workplace Leadership Programme. This programme takes place over four days across six months. However, this programme cannot be funded under the Apprenticeship Levy. Learn more
