Project management skills boosted through new Higher Apprenticeship

A new Higher Apprenticeship is laying firm foundations for the next generation of project management professionals in a wide range of sectors.

As part of the Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management, a Level 4 EAL Diploma has been developed in partnership with the Association for Project Management (APM), the largest professional body of its kind in Europe, and Skills CFA, a registered charity promoting skills and qualifications in the workplace.

More than 80 organisations, employers and training providers have been involved in the design of the qualification, to ensure it reflects current demand in the market. Made up from technical and competency based units, learners will explore the principles of project management, stakeholder management, communications and a range of other skills.

The qualification is part of EAL’s efforts to back government plans to provide 19,000 new higher level Apprenticeships through an £18.7m fund announced by Business Secretary Vince Cable last year.

Allan MacDonald is the Product Specialist at EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications. He 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, as well as providing a pathway for the next generation of project management professionals.

“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.”

Andrew Bragg, APM Chief Executive, added: “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.”

EAL recognised Centres will deliver the training and assessment for the Level 4 Diploma in Project Management as part of the Higher Apprenticeship. Colleges and training providers who are interested in offering the qualification should contact EAL. For more information about the Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management visit the dedicated APM website.