Apprenticeship supports higher level skills across sectors

APM and Skills CFA’s recently launched Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management will support higher level skills opportunities across a range of sectors according to the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications, EAL. The Level 4 Diploma in Project Management, which forms part of the Higher Apprenticeship, will be awarded by EAL resulting in accreditation from the regulatory body of qualifications and examinations Ofqual.

Following APM’s signed agreement with EAL to award the Level 4 Diploma in Project Management Allan MacDonald, Product Specialist at EAL (pictured right), said: “We are extremely confident this qualification will add real value to businesses, by helping project managers across a range of sectors to develop their skills to a higher level.”

Allan added: “EAL is very pleased to partner with APM to meet employer needs by developing the EAL Level 4 Diploma in Project Management. This innovative professional qualification will act as a ‘gold standard’ pathway for higher apprentices in project management. It also offers important CPD opportunities for anyone aspiring to recognised project manager status.”

APM chief executive Andrew Bragg (pictured left) gives his endorsement of the partnership. “APM is proud to collaborate with EAL on such an important qualification that will help to develop the next generation of competent project management professionals. Having EAL as the awarding organisation for the Level 4 Diploma in Project Management secured rapid accreditation from Ofqual, thereby endorsing the quality of this Higher Apprenticeship scheme. I am sure that this initiative will prove to be a rich source of future project leaders.”

The Level 4 Diploma in Project Management is equivalent to the first year of a degree course. It has been created in conjunction with employers and training providers, with more than 80 organisations being actively involved in the consultation and design to ensure the qualification reflects current demand in the market.

Made up from a combination of technical and competency based units, the Level 4 Diploma in Project Management requirement is 120 credits at Level 4 on the QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework), which would comprise 50 credits for successful completion of all of the mandatory units, and 70 credits for successful completion of a selection from the optional units. The three mandatory units are; Principles of project management (30 credits); Project stakeholder management (10 credits); and Project communications (10 credits).

Approved centres will deliver the training and assessment for the Level 4 Diploma in Project Management as part of the scheme, which will provide the skills and knowledge required by the apprentices. Training providers who are interested in becoming an approved centre for the qualification are asked to contact EAL.

If your organisation is interested in learning more about employing apprentices please contact APM. Alternatively, for more information about the scheme please visit the Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management webpage.