This 20-month Level 5 apprenticeship programme has been developed as a building block to achieving greater diversity in leadership at senior level.
The programme aims to build a more diverse senior leadership pipeline by supporting current managers and aspiring middle managers from Global Majority backgrounds to become modern, empowering, confident leaders.
Course Overview
Our programme is based on ideas of trust and freedom, of creating empowerment and innovation – and seeing the manager’s role primarily as coach to bring the best out of people. These ideas were originally outlined as 10 core principles in Henry Stewart’s book The Happy Manifesto, and they form a very real foundation of everything we do at Happy.
An Apprenticeship Programme at Happy comes with serious extra benefits, including:
You will be expected to complete at least 6 working hours per week in ‘off-the-job’ training through the duration of the training programme. These 6 hours per week will include training, coaching, assignments, work activities, projects, research, and reflections.
It is a requirement of all apprenticeships to include English and Maths qualifications. You will be exempt from this requirement if you already have English and Maths GCSE grade A-C (or equivalent) certificates and can provide a copy of these.
Duration
20 months
Level
Level 5
Location
Online or Classroom
Certificate
1 Certification | 1 Diploma
Experience
New, junior or experienced managers
Joy leads to success, every time,
Our award-winning training isn’t just theoretical. It’s packed with practical tools you can use straight away.
We don’t just talk about impact — we live it. As a B Corp, we’re committed to making workplaces better for everyone.
Both available for public and private dates.
Not sure which apprenticeship level is right for you or your team? Join our free taster session to explore our wide range of apprenticeship programmes.
A lack of diversity in senior leadership remains a challenge across industries. A report by the Socio-Economic Diversity Taskforce (City of London Corporation) warns that underrepresentation at the top threatens productivity, competitiveness, and staff retention.
Leadership should mirror the diversity of its workforce and communities. This programme equips emerging Global Majority leaders with the skills, confidence, and support to step into senior roles and thrive.
At Happy, we designed the Global Majority Empowerment Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship to provide practical leadership skills alongside a safe, supportive space where participants feel heard, valued, and empowered. Unlike traditional programmes, we encourage open conversations, helping leaders process experiences, build confidence, and create lasting change.
How much does it cost?
If your organisation pays the Apprenticeship Levy (i.e., has an annual payroll of over £3 million), the full cost of the programme is covered by your Levy payments. The only additional charge is a £60 + VAT per person for membership of the Institute of Leadership.
For organisations that do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy (i.e., have a payroll below £3 million), the government covers 95% of the programme’s cost, leaving your organisation to contribute just £250 per person (+ VAT).
For individuals or organisations looking to fund the programme independently, the full cost is £5,000 per person. Flexible payment plans may be available upon request. This option is ideal for those who wish to invest in professional development outside of the apprenticeship funding system.
Certificates upon completion
Issued by IfATE (Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education)
Plus automatic upgrade of your membership with the Institute of Leadership, including post-nominal letters and digital credentials
Opportunity to apply for CMI Chartered Manager Status via their automatic route
Find out more about our management apprenticeship schemes and which one is right for you. Our team can talk you through the funding options and how it can work for your organisation.
Speak to our team who are there to help with discussing options!
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Outline the 10 core principles for a happy workplace. It has since helped thousands of leaders build trust-driven, empowered teams.
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The Happy Manifesto features ten core principles for creating happier, more engaging places to work. We offer all of Henry's books as free downloads.
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Sign up for our Happy Manifesto newsletter and discover fresh ways to ignite joy and productivity at work. Get expert tips, insights, and ideas that challenge the norm—straight to your inbox. Join our movement and start your journey for a trust-based, values-led organisation.
