IRIS Apprenticeships with Henley Business School
Empowering High Potential employees (HIPO) to elevate productivity, ignite creativity, drive innovation and develop future leaders.
Please note these funded opportunities are open to colleagues living in England only.
IRIS' commitment to development continues
"Here at IRIS, we’re committed to continuous development through the investment in a range of leadership programmes through our apprenticeship scheme. As an alumni from Henley Business School, I know the quality of teaching is high, and led by industry experts. Our two senior leadership programmes with a Masters or MBA, not only offer you a real university experience at Henley but opportunities to network and grow your personal brand through writing a strategic business proposal and conducting research across the business to make a real impact. We’ve had amazing feedback and success from colleagues who have completed these programmes so far. You’ll also be joining our Henley internal network which is a great way to build new relationships alongside your new learning to supercharge your career at IRIS. It’s a competitive programme, so put your best foot forward and consider this amazing opportunity."
Steph Kelly, Chief People Officer, IRIS
Why Henley Business School?
IRIS has partnered with Henley Business School as our provider of apprenticeships specifically open to those who take part in the High Potential programme. By being part of High Potential, you gain access to this exclusive opportunity to gain a professional Bachelor of Arts, Masters or MBA funded by IRIS to show our commitment to you as a potential senior leader. These programmes have been chosen to support IRIS’s strategic vision and growth goals and to upskill our highest performing employees.
What are the entry requirements?
There are specific entry requirements depending on the programme, but generally for any Level 7 programme you must meet at least one of the criteria below:
- Be on or have been on the High Potential programme
- Achieved exceptional performance rating in your most recent performance review
- Be a level 6+ on our career framework
Our Level 6 programmes are open to all colleagues.
Explore our programmes
Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Business Administration - Level 7
The Henley Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration is a unique opportunity to elevate leadership potential - equipping apprentices with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to solve problems faster, make better decisions, build stronger relationships and implement change effectively within their organisations. Paving the way for exceptional professional development and organisational success.
Programme start date: 11 February 2025 and 8 April 2025
Find out more about this apprenticeship and learn more about the application process.
Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Future Leaders (+MSc) - Level 7
The Henley Postgraduate Diploma in Management for Future Leaders is a unique opportunity to develop recent graduates and other high-potential career professionals, and fast-track their careers into leadership positions.
Programme start date: 14 May 2025 (nomination form due February 2025)
Find out more about this apprenticeship and learn more about the application process.
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship | BA (Hons) in Management Practice - Level 6
The BA (Hons) in Management Practice empowers organisations to unleash the potential of their 'Rising Stars' - early career professionals eager to become transformational managers - by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive. It helps them avoid becoming 'accidental managers' and positions them for future success.
Programme start date: Autumn 2025
Find out more about this apprenticeship and learn more about the application process.
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship | BA (Hons) in Applied Management - Level 6
The BA (Hons) in Applied Management gives 'accidental managers' (the highly skilled people promoted to managerial positions without any formal training) the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive. Empowering them to effectively manage teams, influence change and drive organisational success.
Programme start date: 11 March 2025 (nomination form due 17 December 2024)
Find out more about this apprenticeship and learn more about the application process.
MSc Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist - Level 7
The MSc Digital and Technology Solutions enables employees to become confident and capable leaders, equipping learners with the skills to implement complex digital and technology strategies effectively. The future of business is digital, which means that digital leaders are in demand. This Tech Industry Gold accredited apprenticeship, empowers your employees with the skills, tools and knowledge to transform existing business strategies through digitally-led thinking. Motivating your teams to drive technology-led change, so your organisation can thrive in the digital world.
Programme start date: Autumn 2025.
Find out more about this apprenticeship and learn more about the application process.
“On the back of completing a Level 5 apprenticeship in 2021 in Operations Management I was offered a place on a Level 7 Senior Leader programme through Henley Business School. I’m now coming to the end of the programme, and it’s been a brilliant experience for me to develop both personally and professionally. The apprenticeships give you a license to speak to other functions in your business which you might not always get a chance to do, or even know exist! From being in an IT technical leadership role the Level 7 programme has given me an opportunity to speak with Finance about how we put together our group budgets, what KPI’s are measured and why, something I wouldn’t have previously done. If you want to further, yourself and open doors for broader aspects of your business knowledge I thoroughly recommend doing an apprenticeship.”Mark McEvans, Operations Director IRIS Hosting
FAQs
What if I don’t have Level 2 qualifications in English and maths/can't find my certificates?
Learners must have Level 2 qualifications in English and maths (i.e GCSEs at Grades 9-4 or A*-C, or equivalent) before starting their Henley apprenticeship.
The government has provided a useful link for those who may have mislaid their exam certificates. If you need to obtain these qualifications before starting the programme, the Apprenticeship Engagement Team (aet@henley.ac.uk) can help you via a short programme before you start. If you obtained your qualifications overseas, please send your certificates to the Apprenticeship Engagement Team so they can be checked against the National database.
Find out more about English and maths requirements.
Do IRIS have their own assessment and selection process?
To express interest contact the L&D team at IRIS in the first instance at learning@iris.co.uk. Those that meet the relevant criteria will be nominated by the L&D team to Henley which will then trigger the application process. Individuals will be sent an application link to complete, which will be reviewed jointly by Henley and IRIS, factoring in the following criteria:
- Strength of application
- Performance rating
- Line manager endorsement/sponsorship
- Critical skills for the future
- Interview
Why is there an interview?
The apprenticeship programmes are bound by apprenticeship rules which state that all applicants must be interviewed. This is an important step in order to create your individualised learning plan.
How often will I be expected to attend face-to-face workshops at Henley?
This varies per programme. See individual programme pages for details on programme duration. Programme schedules detailing specific dates will be shared prior to the programmes starting.
What is off-the-job learning?
Download our essential guide to find out more about what off-the-job learning is, how much is required, and how Henley apprenticeship tutors can work with you and your line manager.
Other questions
The Apprenticeship Engagement Team are on hand to answer any queries you may have. You can also view our full list of frequently asked questions.
Useful resources
Contact us
Apprenticeship Engagement Team
For those thinking of undertaking an apprenticeship, contact the Apprenticeship Engagement Team.
Email: aet@henley.ac.ukTelephone: 0118 378 4030