Where will this course lead?

This course is ideal for you, if you wish to become a Senior Leader and are new to the role or have previous qualifications and/or experience and are working in an associated role, which provides support for qualified professionals.

This occupation is found in small, medium and large organisations in the public, private or third sectors and in all areas of the economy including health, finance, engineering, manufacturing, business and professional services, education, retail, leisure, technology and construction.

Senior Leaders are a key component of all types of business model, where there is a workforce to lead, manage and support. The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide clear, inclusive and strategic leadership and direction relating to their area of responsibility within an organisation. Typically, this involves setting, managing and monitoring achievement of core objectives, that are aligned to the overall strategic objectives of their organisation's Board (or equivalent). In a smaller organisation they are also likely to contribute to the execution and achievement of these strategic objectives.

A Senior Leader influences at a higher organisational level, including sometimes at Board (or equivalent) level, and sets the culture and tone across their area of responsibility. They may work in varied environments including in an office, onsite, or remotely and demonstrate a high level of flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the organisation. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with internal stakeholders such as members of their team, other senior leaders/managers, support services (for example: finance, marketing, HR) and project groups and, in larger organisations, they may be part of a wider specialist team.

Depending on the size of their organisation, a Senior Leader may be responsible for reporting results relating to their area of responsibility to a Board, trustees, shareholders, executive team or to other senior management within the organisation. Externally, a Senior Leader acts as an ambassador for their organisation with wide-ranging networks typically involving customers/clients, supply chains and statutory/regulatory bodies.

This apprenticeship is suitable for the following job roles:

· Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

· Chief Information/Operating Officer

· Associate Director

· Head of Division/Department

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects…

· Setting direction, vision, governance and providing a clear sense of purpose for their area of responsibility

· Providing clear and inclusive leadership

· Identifying longer-term opportunities and risks using data from internal intelligence sources and external influences

· Developing ethical, innovative and supportive cultures that get the best from people and enable the delivery of results

· Resources that may include budgets, people, assets and facilities.

· Staying up to date with innovation and championing its adoption

· Keeping pace with - and responding to change - by leading agile transformation

· Leading and promoting sustainable business practices

· Responding and managing crisis situations

How will this course be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme consists of 'on-the-job' and 'off-the-job' training. You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and will also be allowed 20% off-the job training, which will involve your college day-release and independent study.

Your independent study will be recorded in a learning journal, to capture evidence of your experiences, reflections and achievements.

An assessor coach will be allocated to you and will visit your workplace on a regular basis, liaising with your work-based mentor, but you will also receive master-class workshops from college tutors.

This will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

· Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship Standard

· Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages - this is likely to be a combination of assignments, activities, exams, reflective discussions and observations in the workplace.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent End Point Assessment (EPA) at 'gateway'. Gateway is the point at which the apprentice has met and can confidently

apply the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours required, as detailed within the apprenticeship standard.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will consist of 2 distinct components:

· Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence

· Strategic business proposal and presentation with questioning

Performance in the EPA will determine your overall apprenticeship grade i.e., pass or distinction.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. If you need help with completing your application and at interview, we can provide support:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 7 Senior Leader's programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· English GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Mathematics GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· 5 GCSEs Grade 4/C or higher, including the above is preferred but not essential

· 2 A-Levels Grade A to C is preferred but not essential

· A previous Level 5 qualification in leadership and management is preferred but not essential

· Demonstrate a passion for strategic, operational and inclusive leadership

· Be at least 16 years of age

You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a part-time programme, and you will be expected to attend day-release; 1 day a week, between the hours of 09:00 to 17:00. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment, at the beginning of the course.

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the construction industry.

Furthermore, you will also be required to complete 20% 'off-the-job' training as a minimum requirement for the apprenticeship course, which may require self-directed study, where will be supported by your assessor coach and work-based mentor.

How much will this course cost?

Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

Is there anything else I will have to pay for in order to do this course?

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some textbooks for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens and paper. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary.

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

· Continue your employment in the industry

OR

· Progress onto surrounding certification/qualifications that may be of benefit to the role e.g., AAT Accounting, Prince2.