Newsboard
Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship
The University of Derby invites schools to an online 30 minute information session exploring the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship route. This session will outline how the programme supports the recruitment and development of high-quality teachers while enabling trainees to earn a salary and achieve QTS through a work-based pathway. The programme can be face to face or remotely delivered, and we will cover programme structure, school requirements, funding, and next steps.
Expressions of interest from schools must be submitted by May half term.-------------------------------------------------------
Final Call - Team Leader Level 3, Improvement Practitioner Level 4 and Coaching Professional Level 5 Apprenticeships
We are issuing a final call for colleagues who wish to apply for one of the following apprenticeship programmes:
- Team Leader Level 3
- Improvement Practitioner Level 4
- Coaching Professional Level 5
Both the application and the supporting business case must be fully submitted by 9:00am on Friday 24 April.
This tight deadline is due to recent changes to government funding, which mean these apprenticeship standards are being withdrawn nationally. As a result, places are being capped, demand is high, and we need to move quickly to maximise the likelihood of securing places on these programmes. More information of defunded apprenticeships is available here: News & Updates.
Team Leader Level 3 – who is this suitable for?This programme is ideal for colleagues who are:
- New or aspiring team leaders or supervisors
- Recently appointed managers looking to build confidence and core people management skills
- Taking on responsibility for managing people, workloads, or service delivery
The apprenticeship supports development in leading people, operational planning, communication, and performance management.
Improvement Practitioner Level 4 – who is this suitable for?This programme is aimed at colleagues who:
- Lead or support improvement or change projects
- Are involved in service redesign, efficiency, or transformation activity
- Want to develop skills in problem-solving, data-led decision making, and continuous improvement
It is particularly suited to those looking to make a tangible impact on how services operate and to deliver sustainable improvements.
This programme is suitable for colleagues who:
- Use coaching as a core part of their role, either formally or informally
- Support the development, performance, or wellbeing of others
- Want to strengthen their coaching capability to support change, leadership, and improvement
It is particularly relevant for managers, practitioners, and professionals who regularly coach or would like to learn to coach individuals or teams and want to develop high-quality, ethical coaching practice.
Find out more
For more information on the Team Leader L3 and the Improvement Practitioner Level 4, please visit the Upskill Extranet: Events and Information Sessions
If you require more information on the Coaching Professional Level 5, please email Patrick Buckley.
Apprenticeships require a significant commitment from both the learner and their line manager:
- Programmes typically run for 12–24 months, depending on the standard
- Learners must complete off-the-job learning alongside their substantive role
- Line manager support is critical, including protected time for learning, regular progress discussions, and engagement in reviews throughout the programme.
Commitment and expectations – including the role of the manager
Managers must actively support applications and confirm that capacity, workload, and organisational need have been fully considered. Applications without clear Manager commitment are unlikely to progress.Please ensure expectations have been discussed and agreed before an application is submitted.
Guidance on terminology, application and business case forms and apprenticeship approach is available here: Apprenticeships
All applications are subject to eligibility checks, including funding and contractual requirements. Submitting an application by the deadline does not guarantee a place, but late submissions will not be considered.
If you are interested, please act now and ensure both the application and the business case are submitted by 9:00am on Friday 24 April to apprenticeshiplevy@shropshire.gov.uk.
If you have any questions about any of the programmes, please contact Kate.MacDonald@shropshire.gov.uk or Patrick.Buckley@shropshire.gov.uk.