Information for employers

Trailblazer apprenticeships are the new standards for apprenticeships. They are developed by employers to meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed in each occupation and improve the quality of apprenticeships. This new standard is designed to replace the previous Higher Apprenticeship level 4 in England.

Why consider Training ByteSize?

Many apprenticeship companies are putting the Project Management level 4 apprenticeship in place, and whilst managing the process is straightforward, the most important part is the transfer of Project Management knowledge and skills.

Training ByteSize is a recognised Project Management training industry innovator, pioneering industry “firsts” in the areas of accredited online courses, online examination, and the innovation of bringing technology into the classroom.

We work to make the learning experience the best we can for the students, and work with them through the whole learning process, until successful completion of the IPMA Level D certification as required within the Apprenticeship.

The final delivery model adopted will be designed/decided upon in consultation with your management and staff teams – it is critical to us that your managers and staff support the learning programme and, with this in mind, we aim to present options which will be the most appropriate for your organisation.

What you should be asking a potential provider

Are their trainers accredited and recognised by the Association of Project Management? (We have worked with the APM for over 20 years)
In the last 36 months how many courses have they delivered at IPMA level D? (TBS have delivered over 120 Level D Courses)
What are the trainer exam pass rates compared with published rates? (TBS Pass rates circa 92%)
Ask to provide at least 2 references for the nominated trainer (TBS can provide trainer specific customer references)
Have the trainers got ‘real life’ experience of running projects? (TBS Trainers have over 15-20 years of running projects)
How many years experience of training does the trainer have? (TBS Trainers have over 10 years minimum)
What’s the continuity plan if the trainer becomes unavailable? (TBS employ four experienced IPMA Level D Trainers and have access to many more)

What does the programme cover?

From day one, we have always created online training and blended training to complement our classroom training. Training ByteSize is one of the most established Project Management online training companies, starting with the first ever accredited online Project Management course by the Association of Project Management.

The Associate Project Manager apprenticeship programme will include knowledge based workshops and separate skills based workshops delivered on a flexible basis, in addition to the regular work-based Skills Coach visits. Usually, the programme would contain workshops delivered once a month, but this can be worked around any previous commitments and requirements that you might have. Included below is a brief summary of the pathway:

Skills Coach assigned to each Apprentice to assist them to understand the standard, apply their learning to the workplace and to assist them to prove and demonstrate their competence.
Skills Coach visits to the Apprentice in the workplace every 6-8 weeks.
A strategy and training log to ensure that apprentices are meeting their 20% “off the job requirement.
Delivery of the APM PMQ split into 3 x 2 day sessions – 2 days a month which includes the exam commencing in month 3 or 4.
Delivered by a blend of taught sessions, on-line learning and one to one sessions with the Skills Coach.
Technical masterclasses delivered by Training ByteSize, the market leaders in delivery of Agile, Project Planning and Control and IPMA Level D APM qualifications.
Skills coaches with a mixture of private and public-sector project management experience.

How Our Apprenticeship Programme Supports Every Learner

A well-rounded apprenticeship blends structured learning with practical application and continuous progress tracking. The programme combines off-the-job and hands-on training with a dedicated e-portfolio system, ensuring every apprentice develops real capability while meeting all compliance requirements.

Off the job training is a significant element of the programme, and usually includes the teaching of theory through formal workshops, seminars, classroom sessions, role-playing, simulation exercises and online learning.

Practical training can involve shadowing, mentoring, coaching, industry visits, attendance at conferences/events. It involves learning support and the learner’s time spent writing assessments and assignments, reading and research and sitting tests.

These activities have been revamped in line with the new Apprenticeship Standards, and will contribute towards the 20% “off-the job” requirement of the new Apprenticeships.

What number of apprentices do we need?

Here at Training ByteSize are happy to work with large or small apprentice groups. We can run a dedicated apprenticeship cohort just for your organisation, or if you have smaller numbers then we are unique in that we can mix apprentices from different organisations into a single cohort. This also has the advantage of your apprentices sharing knowledge and information with other apprentices from different industries, so widening their knowledge.

For further information please give us a call on 01270 626330 or email learning@trainingbytesize.com