UK companies that invest in management apprenticeships are reaping the rewards, with new research from Oxford Economics revealing that 12,100 apprentices added an extra £106.1 million in revenue last year alone.
The study, commissioned by the UK’s professional body for management and leadership, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), shows that companies backing their staff on these apprenticeships benefit from higher productivity, stronger leadership, and more effective teams—proving that investing in management skills delivers a competitive edge.
The research also found that the highest-level apprenticeships, at Level 7, delivered the biggest increase to business turnover, equating to an average increase of £36,700 per apprentice, followed by £18,300 for each Level 6 apprentice, £14,600 for each Level 5 and £13,400 for each Level 3 management apprentice.
Separately, the report found that private sector workers gaining a management apprenticeship boosted annual business revenues by £20,900.
The advantages for employees are just as striking. More than one in three (35%) management apprentices saw a significant salary increase after completing their training, with an average pay rise of £12,000.
Beyond the bottom line, the research highlights management apprenticeships as a powerful driver of social mobility. More than seven in ten (71%) apprentices come from families where neither parent attended university, demonstrating the critical role these programmes play in widening access to leadership opportunities.
The findings also point to a positive shift in gender diversity, with 59% of management apprentices being women—a significant step forward in tackling the gender gap in UK management, where women currently make up less than half (46%) of the management workforce.
The need for these advanced skills is growing exponentially. By 2035, 90% of jobs are projected to require Levels 4-7 skills, particularly in sectors like healthcare and education. The Government’s public sector reform goals, including those in the NHS Workforce Plan, depend on these very apprentices. For instance, the plan envisions 20% of nurses qualifying via degree apprenticeships by 2029—a vital step to meet the increasing demands of our healthcare system.
Oxford Economics, commissioned by CMI, assessed the economic impact of management apprenticeships by analysing data from CMI’s administration of assessments, CMIsurveys, the Office for National Statistics, and the Department for Education, looking at apprentice demographics, employer benefits, and career progression.
Petra Wilton, policy director at the CMI, said: “This research proves what UK businesses investing in management apprenticeships already know—these programmes aren’t just good for individuals, they’re delivering real bottom-line benefits. Better leadership, stronger teams, and a pipeline of skilled managers are translating into higher productivity and millions in extra revenue.
“At a time when businesses are looking for every competitive edge, investing in management apprenticeships is a smart move. They’re also a game-changer for social mobility, opening up career opportunities for people from all backgrounds and helping to build a more dynamic workforce.
“Now is the time for UK employers to prioritise leadership and management development—investing in apprenticeships today will secure a stronger, more resilient workforce in the years ahead.”
