Government funding for two of our most popular apprenticeship programmes has come to an end. The Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor Apprenticeship and the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship are no longer available with government or levy funding, following a policy change that has affected providers across England.
We know this will raise questions for employers who have been planning to use these programmes, and for individuals who were considering enrolling. This post explains what has changed, what it means for you, and what we are doing in response.
What Has Changed
The government has withdrawn funding approval for both the Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor standard and the Level 5 Operations Manager standard. This means that neither programme can be delivered using Apprenticeship Levy funds or the government co-investment model.
Employers who were planning to use their levy to fund either programme will no longer be able to do so. Learners who had these apprenticeships in mind as a route into management will need to consider alternative routes.
Which Programmes Are Affected
- Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor Apprenticeship — no longer available with government funding
- Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship — no longer available with government funding
Other apprenticeship programmes we deliver — including HR Support, People Professional, Network Cable Installer, and Network Engineer — are not affected and remain fully funded.
What This Means for Employers and Learners
If you are an employer who was planning to fund management development through either of these apprenticeships, those routes are now closed. However, the underlying need has not gone away. Businesses still need capable team leaders and operations managers. The skills those programmes developed are still essential.
For individuals, the picture is similar. If you were working towards a team leader or operations manager apprenticeship, or considering starting one, you will need an alternative path to gain recognised management qualifications and advance your career.
Our Response: New ILM-Accredited Online Qualifications
Rather than simply withdrawing the programmes, we have converted them into something better suited to the current landscape. As an ILM-accredited training centre, we are now delivering two new qualifications that cover the same core skills and career outcomes — without any funding restrictions.
ILM Level 3 Award, Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diploma in Leadership and Management Skills
This qualification is the direct alternative to the Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor Apprenticeship. It is designed for new and aspiring managers, team leaders, and supervisors who want to develop their leadership capabilities and manage their teams with confidence.
The programme covers leadership styles, motivating and developing teams, managing performance and wellbeing, communication, planning and delegation, change management, and coaching. It is available in four sizes — from a focused Award to a comprehensive Extended Diploma — so you can match the depth of study to your goals and available time.
Who it is for: Team leaders, supervisors, first-line managers, and those aspiring to move into a management role.
Find out more about the ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management Skills qualification
ILM Level 5 Award, Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diploma in Operational Leadership and Management Skills
This qualification replaces the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship. It is a brand-new qualification from ILM, designed specifically for experienced managers, department heads, and operational leaders who want to advance with a recognised, flexible credential.
Core content includes strategic leadership and organisational culture, financial management and business cases, managing people and wellbeing, risk management, project and operational planning, and innovation and sustainability. Like the Level 3, it is available in four sizes and can be studied entirely online.
Who it is for: Middle managers, department heads, regional managers, project leaders, and professionals progressing from Level 3 or Level 4 management programmes.
Find out more about the ILM Level 5 Operational Leadership and Management Skills qualification
Why ILM — and Why Now?
ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) is one of the most recognised management awarding bodies in the world, operating as part of City & Guilds. An ILM qualification carries real weight with employers, and learners who complete an ILM programme with VQ Solutions also receive complimentary studying membership from The Institute of Leadership throughout their programme.
Crucially, these qualifications have no funding restrictions. They are open to anyone aged 18 and over, regardless of employment status or employer size. You can self-fund your development, or your employer can sponsor you — without the administrative complexity of the apprenticeship levy system.
Assessment is through a portfolio of real-world evidence, not exams. You apply what you learn directly in your role as you study, which means immediate workplace impact rather than studying in isolation.
Apprenticeship vs ILM Qualification — What Is the Difference?
| Apprenticeship | ILM Qualification | |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Government / Levy funded (now withdrawn for these programmes) | Self-funded or employer-sponsored |
| Employment requirement | Must be employed, 30+ hours/week | No requirement |
| Duration | Fixed programme length | Flexible — choose Award to Extended Diploma |
| Assessment | End Point Assessment (EPA) | Portfolio of evidence |
| Credential | Apprenticeship Certificate | ILM Award / Certificate / Diploma / Extended Diploma |
| Membership | CMI / ILM aligned | ILM studying membership included |
| Availability | England only, funding restrictions apply | Open to all, no restrictions |
Both routes develop the same core skills. The ILM qualification offers more flexibility and fewer barriers, while the apprenticeship (where still available) offers funding for those who qualify.
What Happens to Existing Apprentices?
If you are currently enrolled on either the Team Leader Supervisor or Operations Manager Apprenticeship with VQ Solutions, your programme is not affected. You will continue to completion under the existing terms. Please get in touch with your assessor or contact us directly if you have any questions about your specific programme.
How to Register Your Interest
Both new ILM qualifications are launching soon. If you are an individual looking to develop your management skills, or an employer wanting to upskill your team, we want to hear from you. Register your interest now and we will be in touch as soon as enrolment opens.
- Register interest in ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management Skills
- Register interest in ILM Level 5 Operational Leadership and Management Skills
Or contact us to discuss your requirements — we are happy to advise on the right qualification size and route for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Level 3 Team Leader Apprenticeship still available? No. Government funding for the Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor Apprenticeship has been withdrawn. VQ Solutions now offers the ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management Skills qualification as a direct replacement.
Is the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship still funded? No. Government funding for the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship has been withdrawn. VQ Solutions now offers the ILM Level 5 Operational Leadership and Management Skills qualification as a direct replacement.
Do I need to be employed to do the new ILM qualifications? No. Unlike an apprenticeship, the ILM qualifications are open to anyone aged 18 and over. You do not need to be employed in a specific role, though you will get the most from the programme if you are in or have access to a management or leadership position.
Can my employer pay for the ILM qualification instead of using the levy? Yes. Employers can sponsor learners directly. The cost will depend on the qualification size you choose. Contact us to discuss options for your team.
Will I get an ILM membership with the qualification? Yes. All learners studying an ILM qualification with VQ Solutions receive complimentary studying membership from The Institute of Leadership throughout their programme.
What is the difference between an Award, Certificate, Diploma, and Extended Diploma? These are four sizes of the same qualification, each covering a different volume of learning. The Award is the shortest and most focused. The Extended Diploma is the most comprehensive, comparable in scope to a full management programme. You can choose the size that matches your career goals and available time.
Can I progress to higher ILM qualifications after completing Level 3 or Level 5? Yes. Both qualifications offer clear progression pathways. Level 3 leads to Level 5, and Level 5 leads to Level 6 and ultimately Level 7 Strategic Leadership and Management.
