Many organisations want to build stronger coaching capability.
In many workplaces, managers and informal coaches are already supporting colleagues with development conversations, problem-solving and performance discussions. Increasingly, these individuals want to professionalise their practise with a respected qualification such as the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring.
However, despite this alignment between organisational need and individual motivation, the resources for long-term accredited development programmes can be difficult to find. L&D budgets are often stretched across multiple priorities, and coaching qualifications can sometimes feel like something organisations would like to invest in rather than something they feel able to fund.
What many organisations don’t realise is that their Growth & Skills Levy funds can be used on the Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship, allowing them to develop qualified workplace coaches without touching their regular L&D budget.
For organisations looking to strengthen leadership capability, develop internal expertise and create more effective development conversations, this can open the door to a valuable opportunity.
Why organisations are investing in qualified coaches
Coaching has become an increasingly important support activity within modern organisations. As workplaces become more complex and fast-moving, leaders and managers are expected to do more than simply direct all work and make every decision, they must support people to think, reflect and take ownership of their development.
Investing in external coaching provision is one way to realise these benefits, but many organisations are developing qualified internal coaches in order to build this capability in a structured and sustainable way. Internal coaches understand the organisation’s context, culture and challenges, making their support particularly relevant and accessible.
Many organisations also see coaching as a key part of creating a stronger, wider learning culture. Coaching conversations encourage reflection, curiosity and accountability, helping individuals and teams learn from experience (and failure) rather than simply reacting to it.
Who the programme is ideal for
The Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship is suitable for a wide range of roles where supporting the development of others is an important part of the job…
Many organisations enrol managers and leaders who want to strengthen the quality of their development conversations with their teams. Coaching skills help managers move beyond simply giving advice or direction and instead support colleagues to reflect, think more clearly and take ownership of their actions.
The programme is also ideal for HR and Learning & Development professionals who want to expand their coaching capability. These roles often involve supporting individuals through change, development and career progression, where coaching skills can be particularly valuable.
Some organisations also use the programme to develop dedicated internal coaches, building a network of people who can support colleagues across different departments and teams. In practice, the apprenticeship works well for anyone whose role involves supporting the growth and development of others.
How we create confident, capable workplace coaches
Our programme develops confident, capable coaches who can support colleagues to reflect, set meaningful goals and improve performance.
Through engaging workshops, one-to-one tutor support and intuitive online platforms, learners build practical coaching skills, tools and frameworks that they begin applying immediately in the workplace.
This means impact is felt early – learners quickly start using coaching approaches in real conversations. Participants also benefit from structured reflection, feedback and practice, enabling them to build both their confidence and competence as workplace coaches in a natural way.
Achieving the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring
Learners on the Apprenticeship also have the opportunity to complete the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring, a widely respected qualification for workplace coaches.
As an experienced Approved Centre, we have supported thousands of learners to achieve this qualification. The certificate has been comprehensively mapped alongside the apprenticeship to allow learners to work towards both awards as part of the same development journey.
For individuals who want to build recognised coaching credentials, this combination offers a powerful blend of practical workplace application and professional accreditation.
Making the most of Levy funding
For organisations paying it, the Growth & Skills Levy represents a significant opportunity to invest in workforce development. However, many organisations are still exploring how best to use their available funds.
Some employers still view the Levy as an extra tax and don’t engage with it at all! If you have an annual wage bill over £3 million, could this be you – and are you missing out on impactful training you have already set aside the money for?
The Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship provides a practical and impactful way to channel this funding into an area that delivers long-term value: the ability of people within the organisation to support the development and performance of others.
If you’re interested in developing qualified workplace coaches, explore the programme in more detail via the buttons below or get in touch with our team to find out more.