Building the Future of Place Management: Register Your Interest in a New Apprenticeship Programme
As we celebrate Graduation Week 2025 at Manchester Metropolitan University, the Institute of Place Management is looking to the future - and inviting individuals and organisations to support the next generation of place managers and leaders.
Working with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Apprenticeship Team, we are developing a new Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, designed to create a structured pathway into place-based careers across the country. Manchester Metropolitan University is the leading provider of degree apprenticeships. We partner with over 680 national and local organisations to give apprentices the opportunity to earn while they learn, and to develop the skills employers want and need.
The programme will combine academic study with practical experience, helping individuals in roles such as project officer, town centre manager or community engagement lead gain the skills and confidence to manage and improve places.
To launch the programme, we are seeking 30 organisations to register interest in enrolling staff on the first cohort. We’re aiming for a September 2026 start - but we need your support. Whether you're a local authority, BID, housing association, university, or other anchor institution, this is a chance to:
- Invest in your people
- Strengthen place management and leadership across your organisation
- Join a national network shaping the future of place
Funding available to support the degree apprenticeship
Large employers can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for the cost of the programmes. The government will pay 95% of the programmes fees for smaller organisations who do not pay the apprenticeship levy. Additional funding may be available depending on the apprentice hired.
- Entry points: For new starters to the place management sector or early career professionals looking to develop a career in place management
- Length: 2-3 years
- Structure: 80% in-role / 20% off-the-job learning with block release, online modules, applied workplace projects
Apprentices remain in their job role while gaining practical tools, frameworks, and access to the IPM professional network – making an immediate impact in their organisation and community.
To express interest or find out more, please contact:
Rachel Nickeas, IPM Professional Network Officer
ipm@mmu.ac.uk
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.