A Level 7 apprenticeship that equips strategic leaders with the expertise to tackle complex, cross-boundary challenges through systemic analysis, facilitation and intervention design.
Everything you need to know about this apprenticeship in one place.
This apprenticeship is designed for professionals who operate at a strategic level and need to address complex, multi-stakeholder challenges that cross organisational boundaries.
Typical employers include central and local government, defence, health services, international banks and financial services, NGOs, social enterprises, globalised corporations with complex supply chains, and consultancy service providers.
13 taught modules delivered over 24 months, followed by a structured 6-month EPA preparation and assessment period. Every module maps directly to the occupation duties and KSBs in the standard.
Core systems concepts, laws and principles. The Iceberg Model, introduction to Soft Systems Methodology, and foundations of systemic inquiry. Stakeholder identification and relationship-building fundamentals.
Deep dive into Critical Systems Heuristics, Soft Systems Methodology, System Dynamics and the Viable System Model. Causal Loop Diagrams and Rich Pictures technique. Selecting approaches for different complexity contexts.
The Cynefin Framework for complexity, double-loop learning, Appreciative Inquiry for systems design, Donella Meadows' Leverage Points, and the DSRP framework. Designing holistic, multi-stakeholder approaches.
Power mapping and political dynamics, co-design methodologies, facilitation of safe dialogue spaces, managing marginalised viewpoints, and engagement strategy development sensitive to culture and context.
Advanced conceptual modelling, boundary critique, pattern identification and emergent properties. Building validated system models from gathered evidence. Quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques.
Designing and running workshops, inquiry and dialogue techniques, managing group dynamics and conflict, action research methods, and co-developing shared understanding across diverse stakeholders.
Integrating Year 1 learning through a multi-method case study. Reflexive practice, personal development planning, and deepening practitioner identity. Peer learning and cross-cohort collaboration.
Driving forces and causal factor analysis, critical uncertainties and scenario testing, root-cause diagnosis, and assessing fitness-for-purpose of existing strategies, policies and plans.
Collaborative futures thinking techniques, scenario planning, sensitivity and robustness checking, plausible futures modelling, and developing success criteria for long-term system interventions.
Designing systemic interventions, testing options through modelling, supporting decision-makers to evaluate trade-offs, and developing implementable recommendations for strategy and organisational change.
Change implementation methodologies, communication and engagement strategy, establishing systemic measures and indicators, and leading interventions through facilitative processes.
Applied ethics in systems interventions, navigating value conflicts and power dynamics, regulatory and compliance considerations, and balancing ethical concerns with practical outcomes.
Designing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, assessing intervention efficacy, capturing unanticipated outcomes, and producing accessible reports and feedback mechanisms for decision-makers.
Portfolio finalisation, work-based project completion, presentation preparation, and Gateway Review Meeting with employer and provider to confirm readiness.
Independent assessment by the End-Point Assessment Organisation against the full occupational standard. Graded Distinction, Merit or Pass.
The apprenticeship standard defines 5 knowledge areas, 11 skills and 9 behaviours that apprentices must demonstrate by the end of the programme.
Core systems concepts, laws, paradigms and schools of thought. Complexity, emergence, boundaries, feedback loops, non-linear relationships and unpredictability.
Working knowledge of at least three modelling approaches (SCiO framework) including CSH, SSM, System Dynamics and VSM. Scope, scale and systemic levels.
Approaches for delivering systems interventions with varying complexity, double-loop learning, change methods, relationship building and stakeholder management.
Applied ethics in systems interventions, regulatory environment, legal, health & safety and compliance requirements.
Quantitative and qualitative methods for determining intervention outcomes, impact and effectiveness of decisions and processes.
Applying systems knowledge, approach design, systems modelling across real-world contexts, and interpreting/presenting models for stakeholders.
Stakeholder engagement and collaboration, inquiry and information gathering, intervention design, and change implementation leadership.
Structured reflexive practice, leading and influencing stakeholders through ambiguity, and developing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Develops self and practice, courage and constructive challenge, curiosity and innovation, professionalism, cognitive flexibility, practicality, resilience, collaboration and open-mindedness.
Our blended delivery model is designed for working professionals, combining live facilitated workshops with structured self-study and ongoing skills coaching.
6-hour facilitated sessions delivered via live webinar, combining group activities, case studies and practitioner-led discussion.
Structured assignments directly linked to each module, applying systems thinking tools and methods to real challenges in your organisation.
Regular 1-to-1 sessions with a dedicated Skills Coach providing personalised guidance, progress reviews and portfolio development support.
Formal tri-partite reviews with the apprentice, employer and training provider to ensure alignment with workplace objectives.
Study groups and collaborative sessions with fellow apprentices across sectors, building a professional network of systems practitioners.
Curated reading lists, e-learning modules, and self-study materials to deepen understanding between workshops.
The EPA is conducted by an independent assessment organisation and comprises three integrated assessment methods.
A substantial systems thinking project conducted in the workplace, demonstrating the apprentice's ability to apply the full range of KSBs to a real complex challenge. Documented in a written report of up to 12,000 words.
Graded: Distinction / Merit / Pass / Fail
A structured discussion (typically 90 minutes) underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, exploring the apprentice's systems thinking practice, reflexivity, and professional development across the programme.
Graded: Distinction / Merit / Pass / Fail
A presentation (typically 30 minutes plus 30 minutes of questioning) where the apprentice presents their work-based project findings, demonstrating their ability to communicate systemic insights to a non-specialist audience.
Graded: Distinction / Merit / Pass / Fail
While there are no mandatory qualifications, the following are typical expectations for this Level 7 programme.
Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an Education, Health and Care plan or a legacy statement, the minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL. Diagnostic assessment and ongoing support with Functional Skills is embedded throughout the programme.
Get in touch with The TESS Group to discuss how this apprenticeship can transform your organisation's approach to complex challenges.
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