Women in Leadership Level 5 Apprenticeship Programme
This 20-month female leadership programme for experienced managers will support you to become a modern, empowering leader.
Despite the progress achieved in gender equality, women are still underrepresented in leadership roles. While women form a significant part of the workforce, persistent barriers such as unconscious bias, limited mentorship opportunities, and systemic workplace challenges often hinder their career advancement. The impact of addressing these disparities goes far beyond fairness. Research clearly shows that organisations with more women in leadership roles gain stronger collaboration, smarter decision-making, and higher-performing teams.
Our Women in Leadership Apprenticeship is designed to ignite possibilities and unlock the potential of aspiring female leaders. Crafted to empower you, this programme helps you:
- Discover and celebrate your unique strengths
- Create an environment that inspires greatness in others
- Join a network of visionary and like-minded women
Get in touch
Why join the programme?
Our apprenticeship aims to develop leaders who can:
- Build confidence, ethical leadership skills, and an inclusive workplace culture
- Strengthen decision-making, communication, and team management
- Drive positive change by creating high-trust, self-managing teams
At Happy, we see the role of a leader as a coach who empowers their team to reach their full potential, and creates space for others to thrive. This programme is rooted in the 10 core principles outlined in Happy's Founder, Henry Stewart's book The Happy Manifesto, and this is the foundation of everything we do.
It’s not just about learning; it’s a lifelong commitment to how you lead and inspire others.
What qualification will I receive?
At the end of the programme, you will gain a nationally recognised qualification:
- Operations Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship Qualification
- Departmental Manager Diploma Certificate of Achievement from the Institute of Leadership
- Automatic upgrade to Membership to the Institute of Leadership, including postnominal letters (MIoL) and digital credentials
- Access to CMI Chartered Manager status with CMI membership, including further postnominal letters (CMgr MCMI).
Our programme is accredited by the Institute of Leadership. This confirms our programme has been independently verified and meets the evidence-based standards of their 5 Dimensions of Leadership: Authenticity, Vision, Achievement, Ownership and Collaboration.
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.
At Happy, we support an inclusive definition of 'women' and this programme is open to anyone who is cis, trans and nonbinary for whom womanhood is part of their gender identity or experience.
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
How much does it cost?
The full cost of the apprenticeship is £9,000 per person. If your organisation pays the Apprenticeship Levy, then the cost can be met in full from the Levy payments.
If your organisation doesn’t pay the Levy (ie. the payroll is less than £3 million), then the government will meet 95% of the cost of the programme. This means the cost to your organisation would be £450 + VAT per person.
In addition, there is a registration fee of £60 + VAT per person for membership of the Institute of Leadership.
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.
Your leadership journey starts here
Now is the time to invest in yourself and your female leaders. Our Women in Leadership Development Programme isn't just about becoming a better leader — you will also join our community of empowered, confident women who are creating happy, high-performing workplaces.
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 20th June (held online via Zoom).
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.
