Explore a New Pathway into Place-Based Careers
Manchester Metropolitan University and the Institute of Place Management are working together on the creation of a new Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship for place managers.
The apprenticeship is designed to support the next generation of professionals shaping and improving towns, cities, and communities across the UK. It offers a practical route into place-based roles, combining academic learning with real-world experience - particularly relevant for organisations involved in regeneration, town centre management, placemaking, and local economic development. The programme blends work and study, is levy-funded for large employers and heavily subsidised for SMEs, and is targeting a first intake in September 2026. A working group of employers and practitioners is being formed now to shape the detail.
During an online webinar (September 2025) discussing the idea further, we heard from Jo Carney, Head of Apprenticeship Business Development at Manchester Met, who explained how the university works with employers to deliver impactful apprenticeship programmes. Jo outlined how a new Degree Apprenticeship in Place Management could work, giving employers a funded “earn-and-learn” route. Programmes blend on-the-job projects with university study, are levy-funded for large organisations (and heavily subsidised for SMEs), and require a workplace mentor plus around six hours a week for off-the-job learning. MMU is forming an employer working group now, aiming for a first intake in September 2026.
Ian Harvey set out IPM’s direction: to build a recognised, skilled profession of place managers with clear pathways - starting with a new Level 6 apprenticeship and progressing through postgraduate qualifications (including the MSc), and supporting lifelong learning via structured CPD and fellowship - anchored by a Code of Conduct and designatory letters (AIPM, MIPM, FIPM). With government and sector reports highlighting place management capacity gaps, IPM will work with employers to co-design the apprenticeship, shape CPD around day-to-day practice, and translate live research into practical learning.
Chris Gregory, a Fellow of the Institute of Place Management and High Streets Task Force Expert, presented perspectives on the apprenticeship, drawing on over 25 years of experience in the field and his current PhD research into the professionalisation of place management. As part of this work, Chris is conducting a survey aimed at senior representatives in Business Improvement Districts and is interviewing BID leaders. He would welcome the opportunity to connect with people who can contribute to this research. Jeroen Roose-van Leijen, a current MSc student from the Netherlands, showcased the Centrum Management Academy model - short, intensive training backed by an active alumni network, peer coaching, and masterclasses.
The next step is to create a working group of employers and practitioners to help shape the detail of the apprenticeship. This group will play a key role in ensuring the programme is designed to meet the real needs of those working in place management - from the skills and knowledge required, to how the learning is structured alongside day-to-day responsibilities.
We are now seeking 30 organisations to register interest in enrolling staff in the first cohort. If you are interested in contributing your insights and helping to co-design this new pathway, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch at ipm@mmu.ac.uk.
Couldn’t join us live for the information session? A full recording of the session is now available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N473NFQJcG8
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.