Aspiring apprentices
Current apprentices
Emerging Leader programme
Applications now open · 2026/27 Founding Cohort

Don’t just complete your apprenticeship.Lead through it.

A 12-month leadership programme for former and current apprentices — any level, any sector, any employer.

1212 Months
✓NCFE Accredited
★Real Leadership Experience
Apply now → Explore the programme
What you actually get to do

Get into rooms. Take responsibility.

Apply now →
01
Speak
Take the mic on panels, at OuterCircle events and in front of employers and industry audiences.
02
Mentor
Support aspiring apprentices taking their first step — and build real coaching skills doing it.
03
Facilitate & host
Run workshops and host events in your city. Own the room, not just attend it.
04
Meet senior leaders
Get access to senior leaders, employers and decision-makers you’d rarely meet through your apprenticeship alone.
05
Represent
Be the voice of apprentices at conferences, roundtables and national conversations.
How the 12 months work

One year. Designed to fit around your work or apprenticeship.

Start

Join the cohort

Meet your Founding Cohort, set your leadership goals and get your first opportunities lined up.

Build

Develop the skills

Leadership sessions on communication, facilitation and confidence — practical, not theoretical.

Lead

Take responsibility

Speak, mentor, host and represent. Put the skills to work in real rooms with real people.

Complete

Earn recognition

Successfully complete the programme and receive formal accreditation from OuterCircle and NCFE.

NCFE accredited

Recognition for what you actually do.

The accreditation isn’t the reason to join — the experiences are. But when you complete the year, you’ll have formal, credible recognition of your leadership development to show employers.

The standard to complete

Real commitment. Real reward.

  • Take part in the core leadership development sessions
  • Complete hands-on leadership activities across the year
  • Reflect on and evidence your growth as you go
  • Show up for the community and the people in it
The community & network

This programme puts you in rooms.

A national network of former and current apprentices, employers and senior leaders — built to last long after the 12 months.

Applications now open · 2026/27

Apply for the Founding Cohort.

For former and current apprentices — at any level, in any sector and with any employer — who are ambitious, curious and ready to step up. No prior leadership experience needed. A programme fee applies.

Former & current apprenticesAny levelAny sectorAny employerAnywhere in the UK
01

Apply in minutes

Tell us about you and why you want to lead.

02

We get in touch

The team reviews your application and reaches out.

03

Join the cohort

Start your 12 months with the 2026/27 Founding Cohort.

Apply now →
FAQs

Good questions.

Still unsure? Apply and we’ll talk you through it.

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Who can apply?

Former and current apprentices at any level, in any sector and with any employer. If you’re ambitious and want to grow as a leader, you’re who we’re looking for.

How long is the programme?

Emerging Leaders runs for 12 months, designed to fit around your work or apprenticeship.

What does NCFE accreditation mean?

On successful completion you receive formal accreditation from OuterCircle and NCFE — credible recognition of the leadership development you achieve across the year.

Do I need leadership experience?

No. The programme is designed to build it. You just need ambition and the willingness to take on real responsibility.

Does it cost anything?

There’s a programme fee, which covers the full 12 months, your NCFE accreditation and everything the year involves.

2026/27 Founding Cohort · Applications open

Don’t wait to lead.
Start now.

12 months. NCFE accredited. Real leadership experience. Limited places.

Apply now →