Level 7 apprenticeships support social mobility and address skills gaps

A recent article in The Times painted a misleading picture of Level 7 apprenticeships, accusing companies of sending senior executives on management courses, and diverting levy funding away from entry-level apprenticeships. The story fails to reflect the full picture of Level 7 apprenticeships and misrepresents the basis on which Executive MBA (EMBA) qualifications are available, implying that apprenticeship levy funding is used for this separate qualification.

In fact, the EMBA is not covered by the apprenticeship levy, and is only open to apprentices once they complete their Senior Leadership Apprenticeship. Apprentices or their employers must then pay additional fees to enable them undertake further study with a view to achieving an EMBA qualification.

The popular misconception that apprenticeship funds are being abused to train high-level highly qualified managers doesn’t stack up.

Senior Leadership Apprenticeships are tightly regulated and open up opportunities to those without formal qualifications, helping to build diversity in leadership roles and widen career opportunities for under-represented groups. Three in five Level 7 Senior Leader apprentices come from half of the most deprived areas in the UK, and for many it’s the first time they’ve studied for a formal academic qualification.

Level 7 apprenticeship provision is essential to help businesses fill skills gaps and improve productivity, not just in leadership but other crucial areas such as biosciences, manufacturing, digital and cyber.

From talking to companies, I know there is a clear need for senior leaders with advanced skills that won’t go away any time soon. These Level 7 apprenticeships help both public and private sectors address real challenges in management and leadership – driving reform in priority areas such as our specialist NHS-focused apprenticeship, and building economic growth in the UK.

Those in mid-career who are moving into management, or who need to develop their skills in leadership, should not be dismissed so readily. They are not taking away opportunities from younger apprentices and fully deserve to have the opportunity to learn and develop.

We welcome Skills England’s focus on what employers need to grow the economy, and we will continue to work closely with businesses to answer their education needs.

Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng