Developing Leaders for a Stronger Workforce: Apprenticeships Starting This September
Developing Leaders for a Stronger Workforce: Apprenticeships Starting This September
Strong leadership transforms businesses. Whether it’s a supervisor motivating their team, a process leader driving operational excellence, or a senior manager delivering strategy, investing in leadership development builds capability, resilience, and results.
BPIF Training, the UK’s largest provider of print apprenticeships, rated Good by Ofsted and Excellent by both learners and employers offers three leadership-focused apprenticeships tailored to different stages of a career journey. With new cohorts starting in September 2025, these programmes are an opportunity for employers to strengthen their leadership pipeline and for ambitious individuals to take the next step.
Team Leader/Supervisor (Level 3)
Duration: 15 Months
For first-line managers and those stepping into their first leadership role, the Team Leader apprenticeship provides a practical foundation for leading people and managing projects. It covers 24 key knowledge, skills, and behaviours, including communication, problem-solving, and performance management.
Who is it for?
Supervisors, team leaders, shift managers, project officers, and aspiring junior managers.
In their own words:
Rachel Blackburn, a Team Leader apprentice at Saica Paper UK, reflected:
Process Leader (Level 4)
Duration: 18 months
Funding: Up to £11,000
The Process Leader apprenticeship is aimed at those managing teams and processes, helping them deliver on departmental KPIs while fostering continuous improvement. Learners explore leadership theories, build analytical skills, and develop the confidence to lead change.
Who is it for?
Process leaders, production leads, section leaders, and those managing technical teams.
In their own words:
Beth Watt, a Level 5 management apprentice, described how structured planning changed her approach:
Operations/Departmental Manager (Level 5)
Operations Leader – Mini Leaflet
Duration: 24 months
Funding: Up to £9,000
For senior managers, the Operations/Departmental Manager programme builds the skills to deliver strategy, lead complex projects, and manage cross-functional teams. It covers 25 knowledge, skills, and behaviour areas, from financial planning to coaching and mentoring.
Who is it for?
Operations managers, departmental managers, regional managers, and senior leaders seeking to develop strategic capability.
In their own words:
Gosia Mierzwa-Paszkowska, who was promoted twice during her apprenticeship, said:
The Benefits for Employers
Investing in leadership apprenticeships has a direct, positive impact on business performance:
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Develop leaders who deliver results – from first-line supervisors to senior managers, apprentices gain practical skills to improve team performance and operational efficiency.
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Strengthen your talent pipeline – succession planning becomes easier when you have confident, capable leaders ready for the next step.
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Retain and motivate staff – offering clear development pathways improves engagement and reduces turnover.
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Embed new ideas and best practice – apprentices bring back fresh approaches, from continuous improvement techniques to effective coaching and mentoring.
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Cost-effective training – apprenticeships are heavily funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-investment, making them an affordable way to upskill your workforce.
Flexible Delivery for Modern Workplaces
All three programmes are delivered digitally by BPIF Training’s experienced trainers, with live online workshops and recorded content to fit around work commitments. This flexibility allows employers to upskill their staff without disruption and enables apprentices to apply their learning directly in the workplace.
With 94% of employers agreeing that BPIF Training delivers up-to-date, relevant training and 100% recommending us, you can be confident that these programmes deliver measurable impact.
Start Building Your Leadership Pipeline This September
Cohorts for the Team Leader, Process Leader, and Operations/Departmental Manager apprenticeships are starting in September 2025.
Whether you’re an employer looking to invest in your people or an individual ready to step up in your career, now is the time to take action.
Find out more and secure your place:
📧 [email protected]
📞 01676 526 060
🌐 https://bpif.training/contact/