Leading Change Apprenticeship Programme

Would you like to improve your skills in communication, leadership, management and influencing? Our Leading Change apprenticeship will enable you to develop and run a successful campaign or project.

This programme designed for campaigners, change agents, leaders and managers. You will develop your confidence, skills and knowledge in a supportive learning community over 12-20 months. On completion of the programme, you will receive a nationally recognised Level 3 or Level 5 Apprenticeship qualification, accredited by the Institute of Leadership and provides access to Chartered Manager status.

Happy is delighted to run this programme in partnership with the Democracy Network.

Develop your skills in communication, leadership and influencing

This advanced apprenticeship will enable you to develop and run a successful campaign or project at work. You will develop your confidence, skills and knowledge in our supportive community. Skills you will develop include communication, problem-solving, goal setting, time management, coaching, influencing, negotiating, planning, and more.

You will also learn how to create a high trust, high performing workplace based on coaching and empowering staff, based on the principles of The Happy Manifesto

You will learn through monthly training days, 1-to-1 coaching, action learning circles — and by using your knowledge and skills at work. As an apprenticeship qualification, the focus is on implementing ideas and on-the-job learning rather than sitting in long, dull lectures.

On completion of the course, you will receive a nationally recognised Level 5 or 7 Apprenticeship qualification, accredited by the Institute of Leadership and provides access to Chartered Manager status.

Is this programme right for me?

This programme is open to staff from any organisation who want to bring about change at work or in the world.

It will be particularly relevant if you are:

  • Policy officer in a charity, local government, public service, trades union or think-tank
  • Advocacy staff, campaigners and lobbyists in any sector
  • Assistant, special adviser or researcher for an MP, local councillor or other elected post
  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager in a company, public utility or service
  • Community, outreach or youth worker with a brief to engage and empower people

People who join this programme:

  • Want to make a difference in the world
  • Can commit to six to eight hours of learning a week (on average) over 18 months
  • Can use new knowledge and skills for change in their work
  • Have support from their employer and line manager

The programme is open to both current and new staff, of any age.

What level should I take?

Our Level 3 is for new managers and team leaders. Level 5 is for more experienced managers and heads of departments.

Both Levels cover similar topics, but Level 5 covers a wider range of knowledge and skills, involves more time learning at work, and enables learners to develop and carry out a substantial change project or campaign at work.

So far all of our learners have opted for Level 5.

What is the commitment?

The Level 5 programme needs to be completed within 24 months, requiring a commitment of 450 hours learning in work time (6 hours per week). This includes at least 12 in-person training days, plus online mutual support sessions and 1-1 coaching/review meetings. Learning at work means using methods covered in the course, such as working on a project, coaching colleagues, giving presentations, facilitating meetings, as well as relevant reading, TED talks and workshops.

The Level 3 programme needs to be completed within 14 months, requiring a commitment of 6 hours a week learning (in work time) for 12 months.

What is the qualification you get when you complete it?

On completion and achievement of the Level 5 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)

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. We are proud to join a community committed to professionalising the roles of leaders and managers to enhance leadership capability.

The recognition you receive for completing the programme is yours throughout your career. This will give you an edge, enabling you to lead exceptional teams and deliver better outcomes for your customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

How much does it cost?

Members of the Democracy Network may be eligible for a bursary. We also have a limited number of subsidised spaces available.

Leading Change is free for organisations in England who pay the Apprenticeship Levy and use it for staff to do the course. Smaller organisations in England pay just 5% of the cost (£450 + VAT for Level 5, £250 + VAT for the Level 3).

In addition, there is a registration fee of £60 + VAT per person for membership of the Institute of Leadership.

... One thing that stands out is that I am more team and people centred now. … My communication has improved. The course taught us a lot about prioritisation and how to get the 'important' things done. [It] has given me a suite of tools I hold in my back pocket for when new situations arise [and] helped me enormously with my own personal development and growth.JT, now head of UNISON in Wales

Discover new tools, views and opportunities to make a difference in the world

  • Learn practical skills — All areas of the programme are linked to your organisations' priorities
  • Tailored to your level of experience — Choose between a Level 3 or a Level 5 programme.
  • Little or no additional cost to your organisation — This programme is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or can be 90% funded through the government's co-investment scheme. A limited number of bursaries are also available.
  • No age limit — Suitable for existing staff of any age and from any sector.
  • Earn a recognised qualification — The final qualification is the Campaigning Apprenticeship at either Level 3 or Level 5. You will also receive a Leadership and Management Diploma from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

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.

Get in touch

Is our Leading Change programme right for you? Contact us to find out more and have a free, no obligation discussion about this programme with our team.

Not what you're looking for?

Looking to develop your more experienced managers? We also offer a standard Level 5 Management Apprenticeship Programme for experienced managers and department managers.

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.