National Apprenticeship Week offers an opportunity to reflect on the transformative role that apprenticeships play in shaping careers, strengthening organisations, and expanding access to professional development. Although many people still associate apprenticeships with early-career pathways, in reality they are shaping organisations all the way up to C-suite. Today, apprenticeships span every stage of professional growth—from entry-level roles to master’s equivalent qualifications—offering flexible, impactful development for individuals and tangible capability-building for businesses.
As someone currently undertaking the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship, I’ve experienced first-hand how powerful these programmes can be at higher levels and have a new appreciation for the benefits they can offer to both businesses and individuals. In this blog, I’ll explore how apprenticeship courses enable valuable development, support business objectives, and share some of my experience as a higher-level apprentice.
The Value of Apprenticeships at Every Level
Over the years, our business has experienced the benefits of apprenticeships that have brought fresh energy, creativity, and new digital strengths into the organisation. We’ve welcomed entry-level apprentices in areas such as digital marketing, PR and communications and the impact has been immediate and meaningful. These apprentices have added value from day one—delivering content, contributing ideas, supporting campaigns, and helping us enhance our digital presence. In return, they’ve gained real-world experience, confidence, and a strong foundation for future career progression (and hopefully a positive early experience of the world of work!).
Entry-level apprenticeships offer:
- A practical, accessible route into an industry.
- The chance to learn on the job with structured support.
- A pipeline of emerging talent that grows with the business.
- Early development of skills that can evolve into long-term specialisms.
Together with higher-level programmes, these entry roles create a layered development approach—bringing in new talent at the start of their careers while enabling existing staff to deepen their existing knowledge, skills and behaviours.
The Modern Apprenticeship: More Than an Entry-Level Pathway
Higher-level ‑level apprenticeships—particularly those at Levels 6 and 7—have the potential to transform the way individuals and businesses think about professional development. They blend academic rigour with real-world application, creating powerful opportunities for learning that can be directly embedded into day-to-day work.
For businesses, these programmes offer:
- A structured, cost-effective way to develop future leaders and managers.
- Immediate application of new skills to current business priorities.
- Stronger succession planning and talent retention.
- Increased organisational capability and resilience.
For apprentices, they provide:
- A clear, supportive framework for skills development.
- Space to reflect, grow, and apply learning in situ.
- Access to experienced tutors, coaches, and industry experts.
- A recognised qualification aligned with strategic leadership.
Experiencing the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship
This time last year, I didn’t even know that higher-level apprenticeships existed. Now, the Level 7 Senior Leadership 
apprenticeship is providing a fundamental framework for my learning and development as I take on more senior responsibilities within our business. Stepping into the Level 7 programme has been both challenging and transformative, providing me with new tools to use in my day-to-day role as well as broadening my perspective. The programme provides a supportive and well-designed structure that balances academic insight and reflection with practical leadership development. Even though I am only three months and one module into the apprenticeship, it has already had a significant impact on the way I work and is shaping my organisational leadership for the better.
Some of the most valuable aspects of the experience include:
1. Structure That Supports Real Progress
The framework combines learning, reflection, and on-the-job application, ensuring that new concepts translate into real change. It has helped me:
- Step back and view the business through a broader strategic lens.
- Tackle challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
- Further develop habits of reflective, intentional leadership.
2. Preparing for Greater Leadership Responsibility
As my role evolves to include increasing responsibility across the business, the apprenticeship has equipped me with the strategic tools and leadership behaviours needed for senior roles. From decision making to organisational planning and people management, the learning is both relevant and immediately making to organisational planning and people management, the learning is both relevant and immediately‑making to organisational planning and people management, the learning is both relevant and immediately implementable.
3. The Power of Peer Learning
A major highlight has been connecting with peers from a range of sectors. Through shared discussions and collaborative learning, I’ve gained:
- New perspectives on leadership challenges.
- Ideas and best practices from other organisations.
- A supportive network of leaders on similar journeys.
4. Learning From Experienced Tutors and Speakers
Expert tutors and guest speakers bring a blend of academic insight and practical leadership experience that enriches the learning experience. The opportunity to hear from and engage with these professionals has sparked new lines of thinking and supports my development as a leader.
Why Do Higher-Level Apprenticeships Matter for Businesses Today?
In a business environment shaped by rapid change, evolving customer expectations, and increasing operational complexity, developing strong leaders isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Higher-level apprenticeships:
- Prepare leaders to navigate complexity with confidence.
- Strengthen decision-making and strategic planning.
- Build leadership capability from within.
- Create sustainable long-term growth and resilience.
For organisations like ours, the opportunity to engage with these programmes is not just beneficial, it is a strategic move that supports the future stability and success of the business. I count myself incredibly lucky to have been able to enter the apprenticeship on a funded pathway that was available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Without that support, I would not have been able to access this vital training.
Unfortunately, the current government’s move towards the new Growth and Skills Levy means that funded pathways are now only available for 16-21-year-olds (or up to 25 for care leavers or those with an Education, Health and Care Plan). This shortsighted decision means that huge numbers of professionals—particularly those working in micro and small businesses with limited resources—will miss out on the opportunity to access training that would support their career development and boost businesses around the country.
Small businesses make up 99.2% of the total UK business population. That is a massive swathe of the economy to leave without the means to access support that could ensure ongoing operation and longevity. Whilst supporting young people into work and enabling early development of professional skills is a worthy goal, to ignore the training needs of the rest of the working population would ultimately be damaging to the UK business landscape and wider economy. Accessible management and leadership training opportunities are essential in maintaining the vitality of our economy and ensuring it can rise to the challenges of the future. The Chartered Management Institute are calling on the UK Government to “collaborate with employers to retain all current management apprenticeship pathways alongside the new flexible offer”—a call which I wholeheartedly support. If you feel the same, you can add your name to the CMI petition here.
A Final Reflection
Apprenticeships at all levels bring immense value. Entry-level‑level programmes bring in fresh talent, creativity, and digital fluency. Higher-level apprenticeships deepen leadership capability and prepare individuals for senior responsibility. Together, they create a powerful, layered development journey that benefits people and businesses alike.
This National Apprenticeship Week, I’m proud to be part of a programme that is helping me grow, reflect, and prepare for the next stage of leadership, and grateful for the positive impact apprenticeships continue to have across our organisation.
Check out the recording of Jen’s webinar “Communications that Convert” for some top tips and tricks to help position your brand for bigger opportunities.
Jen Heil is Smith Goodfellow’s Director of Business Development and has been part of the team since 2019. You can follow her on LinkedIn or discuss any of the content in our blogs with us on our social channels: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Threads.
