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Community and Social Economy Management
Executive Apprenticeship
Level 9 [part-time] Masters Programme
Employer Survey




The Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI) is collaborating with the University of Limerick Apprenticeship Office to create an Executive Apprenticeship for a Level 9 Masters in Community & Social Economy Management.

This part-time, flexible programme will combine on-the-job and off-the-job learning with work-based assessments. This programme is designed specifically for leaders and senior managers who are currently employed in Ireland’s Third Sector i.e. Charity, Community, Voluntary and Social Economy organisations.

This survey will take no more than five minutes to complete, with your input directly shaping the application and business case to the National Apprenticeship Office.
Section 1: Your organisation (3 questions)
1.Which best describes your organisation? (Single select)
2.Your role: (select one only)
3.Number of full-time employees:
Section 2: Demand for Level 9 Masters Apprenticeship
4.A Level 9 Masters Apprenticeship in Community & Social Economy Management is proposed for the sector. When available, would your organisation support (ie non-financial) one of your team to participate as an apprentice on this programme?
5.If “no” why not?
6.Over the next 3 years, how many apprentices would you envisage your organisation could support (not a binding commitment)?
Section 3: Skills Needs
7.Over the next 3-5 years, rank the importance of upskilling senior leaders/managers in the following areas:
Essential
Very important
Important
Not a priority
Financial oversight & social investment
Governance, compliance, reporting
Risk and Reputational management
Strategic planning & scaling
Leadership & team management, diversity and inclusion
Impact measurement & research
Policy, funding & grant applications
Programme/project management
Marketing and communications
Stakeholder management and partnership development
Sustainability & change management
8.Which of the apprenticeship programme delivery methods are essential for your organisation?
9.The proposed title for those participating in the programme is "Community & Social Economy Manager". How reflective do you feel this is of curent roles?
10.What level of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is your most senior employee qualified to?
Section 4: Barriers to Access
11.What are the main barriers to accessing existing Level 9 programmes?
12.What value and benefits would this apprenticeship bring your organisation/sector?
13.If time allows, would you be willing to participate in a focus group to help shape programme design and content?
This survey is conducted by the Community Enterprise Association Ireland (registered as NACEC CLG) as consortium lead, on behalf of a consortium of partners applying to the National Apprenticeship Office for the creation of a Level 9 Master’s Programme for leaders and senior managers in the third sector. The apprenticeship programme will be delivered in partnership with the University of Limerick and will be suitable for, and available to, social enterprises and social economy organisations of all sizes. All data gathered will be managed and stored in accordance with the NACEC CLG Privacy Policy.