Closing the leadership gap: how apprenticeships are the key to bridging the gap

Leadership development is essential for organisational success, yet many companies face a significant gap in preparing tomorrow’s leaders. Nearly 80% of companies report a leadership development gap, which poses a threat to business continuity and growth. With the older generations retiring and opening up leadership opportunities 91% of millennials say they do not plan to stay with their current employer for more than three years, highlighting a massive leadership void. This is a concern for 77% of companies with 84% fearing this gap will persist over the next five years.

The leadership development crisis

While many organisations recognise the urgency of this issue, few have made strides to address it comprehensively. Only 5% of businesses have fully implemented leadership development programmes at all levels. This is even though 83% of companies acknowledge the importance of such programmes and many companies list closing leadership gaps as their top priority. However, 42% of companies are missing a comprehensive leadership competency framework making it difficult to structure meaningful programmes.

Challenges like, cost, time, and managerial buy-in are often cited. Many companies say that leadership development programmes take too much time with the average programme duration being around 8 months long. Senior management often bears the blame as many professionals find themselves struggling to create and implement solid development frameworks that provide tangible results.

Millennials: The future leaders at risk

The leadership development gap is particularly concerning for millennials, the future leaders of the workforce. According to a study by TeamStage, 63% of millennials believe they are not receiving the leadership training they need to succeed. This is alarming, as millennials are expected to fill leadership roles in the coming years. Without adequate development, companies may struggle with planning and maintaining leadership continuity.

However, this presents a unique opportunity for leadership development through apprenticeships. Apprenticeships such as Improvement Leader, Operations Department Manager and Team Leader/Supervisor can fill these gaps by providing structured, practical leadership training. These programmes offer targeted learning, mentorship and tailored approaches- equipping future leaders with the necessary skills and competencies to lead effectively.

Apprenticeships: A Solution to Leadership Development

Improvement Leader Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is designed for individuals responsible for developing and leading improvement strategies within a business. Improvement Leaders typically report to senior management, such as Board members or Heads of Departments, and manage a team of Improvement Specialists. They provide leadership, coach teams, and support the implementation of improvement projects. These leaders work across all functions of a business, supporting the achievement of organisational goals and leading large-scale, high-priority improvement activities.

This role suits professionals involved in business improvement and environmental sustainability roles, such as Environmental Improvement Managers, Business Sustainability Consultants, and Health and Safety Managers. Although often office-based, it can involve work on-site, such as on the shop floor or at customer/supplier locations.

Operations Manager Apprenticeship

The Operations Manager apprenticeship is designed for professionals responsible for providing clear, inclusive leadership within their area of responsibility in an organisation. Operations Managers ensure that key objectives are set, managed, and aligned with the organisation’s overall strategic goals. In smaller organisations, they may also contribute to the execution of these strategic objectives, making them pivotal to the success of the business.

Common job titles for this role include Area Manager, Department Manager, General Manager, Regional Manager, Operations Manager, and Specialist Manager. This role is crucial for both large and small businesses, ensuring operational efficiency and team leadership at every level of the organisation.

Operations Departmental Manager 

This apprenticeship is designed for learners who are in Senior Strategic Management roles, focusing on long-term strategic planning rather than operational execution. Learners will be responsible for developing strategic plans, managing change, and designing business processes that align with the organisation’s overall strategy. They also support middle management, ensuring operational plans are in sync with strategic objectives.

This apprenticeship prepares learners for leadership roles by equipping them with strategic thinking and management skills that are essential for driving organisational success.

Team Leader Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is designed for individuals who are responsible for managing a team or discrete projects. Team Leaders/Supervisors play a key role in ensuring that teams perform effectively and achieve their goals. They support, manage, and develop team members, oversee projects, plan and monitor resources, and are accountable for delivering operational plans, resolving problems, and building strong relationships.

This apprenticeship prepares learners to lead and manage teams effectively, ensuring they can guide their teams to success while fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

A lack of confidence in Leadership development programme

Despite the clear need for leadership development, only 10% of CEOs trust the effectiveness of their company’s leadership programmes. This disconnection between leadership and development strategies may be due to a lack of immediate, visible returns on investment. Leadership development is a long-term investment, and its true benefits often take time to materialise. However, failing to invest in leadership training risks leaving organisations without a prepared bench of competent leaders.

This is where apprenticeships can make a significant impact. Unlike traditional leadership programmes that may lack clear direction or tangible outcomes, apprenticeships are structured, outcome-driven, and practical. They provide learners with a clear pathway to leadership, grounded in real-world experience and backed by formal learning.

The value of leadership development 

Closing the leadership development gap is not just a human resource issue but a business imperative. Companies that fail to develop future leaders are at risk of losing their competitive edge. Almost 50% of businesses use leadership development programmes specifically to upskill talent into leadership roles. These programmes not only identify potential leaders but also build a solid succession pipeline, ensuring the company’s long-term success.

However, this leadership development isn’t happening at the scale required. Only 26% of managers prioritise the growth and development of their employees, which is a missed opportunity. Leadership development needs to be embedded in company culture and reinforced through initiatives like apprenticeships, which can provide structured and ongoing development.

A path forward: leadership for the future

The corporate leadership training market is expected to grow to $26.7 billion by 2024, as more businesses recognise the need to invest in leadership development. Studies show that leadership training can increase job performance by 30%, and public sector managers who receive both leadership training and executive coaching experience an 88% productivity boost.

The rise of leadership apprenticeships presents a valuable opportunity for companies to address the leadership development gap. These programmes not only offer the skills necessary to lead but also provide a structured hands-on approach that delivers real results. Moreover, they are adaptable to various roles and industries, making them accessible and relevant for companies of all sizes.

Millennials, in particular, are primed for leadership development, but they need the right tools. Studies show that 75% of millennials believe that new technology will drive changes in leadership styles, They are also eager to work in organisations that invest in their growth and development. Apprenticeships that incorporate leadership training can help companies meet the needs of the millennial workforce while building a leadership pipeline that will carry them into the future.

The leadership development gap is a pressing issue that companies cannot afford to ignore. The solution lies in creating robust development programmes, and apprenticeships offer a structured, effective way to cultivate leadership skills at all levels. Programmes like Improvement Leader, Operations Department Manager, and Team Leader/Supervisor provide a direct pathway to leadership, equipping employees with all the skills and confidence needed to step into leadership roles.

By investing in apprenticeships, companies close the leadership gap but also future-proof their workforce, ensuring they have the leaders needed to navigate the challenges of tomorrow. Leadership development is no longer optional- it’s essential for organisational success.

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