Did you know?
Administrative roles saw skill-shortage vacancies drop from 36% to 19% but 80% of UK employers struggle to find the required skills. The gap isn’t closing; it’s widening.
UK Department for Education Employer Skills Survey 2024*
Our solution Future-focused training in AI, digital skills, critical thinking and process mapping prepares administrative staff for tomorrow’s workplace demand.
Overview
Curriculum delivery
Your most ambitious people are ready to lead. The question is: are you ready to develop them?
This programme combines a fully funded Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship with a CMI Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership. Your emerging business leaders will learn to adapt their skills, confidence and qualification to step up and make a difference.
They will develop strong communication, problem-solving and time-management skills and take initiative – all while adopting a proactive and positive attitude. This is the starting point for a dynamic and valuable career.
Knowledge, skills and behaviours development
This qualification will be delivered in the workplace with ongoing support from a dedicated Performance Coach. On completion, the apprentice will be able to confidently and competently undertake the full range of duties, appropriate to the job, to the standard set by the industry.
Full government funding available through the Growth and Skills Levy
Starts May, August and November 2026
Delivered remotely, using Teams for live digital interaction
Progression
The administration role may be a gateway to further career opportunities, such as management or senior support roles.
Functional skills
Apprentices without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and undertake the Level 2 English and Maths Assessment prior to taking the end point assessment.
For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualification for whom this is their primary language.
Off the job hours
Apprentices must complete a minimum of 278 off-the-job hours. This requirement will increase to 348 hours starting from January 2026. The number of contracted hours an apprentice works doesn’t change this requirement; they must still achieve the minimum off-the-job hours for the standard.
Apprentice wages
Every apprentice must be paid a lawful wage for the time they are in work and in off the-job training. The employer must meet the cost of the apprentice’s wages. An employer can only pay the apprenticeship minimum wage from the start of the apprenticeship programme and not before. You can find information on the national minimum wage, the apprenticeship rate, and the definition of an employee on GOV.UK.
What makes our Emerging Business Leader programme different?
Taking you beyond the standard: Most Level 3 Business Admin programmes stop at the standard. We go further. With Future Business Leader Sessions, Thought Labs, AI and Digital Skills focus and gamification built in, we’re preparing your people for the world of work in 2035, not just today.
A CMI qualification included as standard: Every learner also earns a Level 3 CMI Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership. A nationally recognised qualification that gives them the tools to lead people effectively from day one. Most providers don’t offer this. We include it.
Learning that builds real leaders, not just administrators: We believe in applied learning, absorbed through doing, reflecting and practising in real work. Every module builds towards stronger leadership conversations, greater self-awareness and the confidence to step up when it matters.
What You’ll Master
Our graduates leave equipped to lead from day one, with a qualification that proves it. They achieve:
A fully funded Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship
A CMI Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership
The skills to lead 1:1 conversations and manage team performance with confidence
Critical thinking, systems thinking and AI governance skills for the future of work
The self-awareness and emotional intelligence to bring out the best in others
Flexible Funding
Growth & Skills Levy (previously Apprenticeship Levy) Eligible programmes can be fully funded through the government’s Levy. We help larger employers maximise their Levy investments. Smaller businesses can access up to 95% government funding.
Commercial Investment Bespoke delivery is available to use your training funds. We can tailor content, timing and format to your needs with flexible payment options.
We’ll help you find the right funding route for your situation.
Who Is This Programme For?
Driven Team Member
Ambitious team members showing leadership potential
Resourceful Admin
Business administrators ready to take on more responsibility
New Manager
New or aspiring managers stepping into a people leadership role for the first time
Aspiring Leader
Organisations wanting to build a sustainable leadership pipeline from within
No prior management qualification is needed. Just the drive to grow.
Built for businesses that can’t afford to stand still
Three out of four British firms that try to hire still cannot find the workers they need (British Chambers of Commerce, 2025). The organisations that win aren’t always the ones hiring best — they’re the ones developing from within
How our Professional Coaching takes you beyond the standard
Data, AI & Digital Skills focus
Specialist sessions with practical activities and live demonstrations focusing on Data, AI and Digital Skills as will be at the forefront of business leadership and administration up to 2035.
Thinking Beyond the Standard
Additional topics have been added, such as Critical thinking, Systems thinking, Process Mapping, and the Governance of AI, all skills that tomorrow’s leaders will need.
CMI certified
The Level 3 certificate in first-line people management and leadership will give you the tools to be an effective leader.
Thought Labs
Group sessions to trailblazer and problem solve issues in the workplace, using peer-to-peer learning and networking.
Future Business Leader sessions
One-day sessions with a specialist trainer covering future skill requirements up to 2035.
Gamification
Will feature within group sessions and on our online learning portal to drive interaction and engagement with the programme.
Most programmes prepare people for the job they’re in. Ours prepares them for the leader they’re becoming.
*UK Department for Education Employer Skills Survey 2024