Like many organisations, you’ve likely watched with frustration as a portion of your Apprenticeship Levy contributions were reclaimed by HMRC – funds you’ve paid into but weren’t sure how to access. This was the exact situation for the innovative team at what3words. They knew the levy could be a powerful tool for developing their people, but they needed a clear path to unlock its potential. This case study shows how they leveraged a significant £50,000 in levy funds to create a bespoke, impactful leadership development programme.
The first step was to demystify the process. After some initial conversations with our team, what3words gained a clear understanding of how they could use their levy funds to offset the cost of their management training. The goal was to launch a Team Leader ILM Level 3 apprenticeship tailored specifically to the unique culture, processes, and training requirements of what3words.
This wasn't a one-size-fits-all solution. We dedicated time and resources to a thorough learning needs analysis. By gaining a deep understanding of their challenges, culture, and existing tools, we could ensure the programme was highly relevant and avoided duplication. This bespoke approach is a key differentiator, ensuring that the training directly addresses the specific needs of the organisation and its people.
The resulting programme was a comprehensive 12-month management development initiative delivered with flexibility and support. The core of the programme included:
The content of the programme was carefully curated to address the practical needs of modern leaders. It went beyond theoretical concepts to provide immediately applicable skills. Key components included:
By leveraging their apprenticeship levy, what3words didn't just access funding; they invested £50,000 in their people with a programme designed for their specific needs, proving that the levy can be a powerful driver for talent development and organisational growth.
How could your organisation utilise its Apprenticeship Levy to create a similar impact?
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