We are delighted to announce a successful new partnership between SEATS and the prestigious Cranfield School of Management, marked by the smooth and timely onboarding of a new cohort of Senior Leader apprentices from Ford Motor Company.
This inaugural cohort of around 30 senior professionals from Ford joined the Senior Leader Executive Programme (SLEP) — a Level 7 apprenticeship designed to equip experienced leaders with strategic insight, practical tools and the advanced leadership capabilities needed to thrive in today’s complex business environment.
The onboarding process was everything you’d expect from such a high-calibre partnership: seamless, collaborative and efficient. Together, SEATS and Cranfield ensured all learners were enrolled and ready to begin before upcoming funding rule changes, demonstrating a shared commitment to both agility and excellence.
Academic Excellence Meets Industry Leadership
Dr. Steph Russell of Cranfield School of Management, commented:
“The partnership between Cranfield and Ford on the Senior Leader Executive Programme represents a strong alignment of academic excellence and industry leadership. Together, we are equipping senior professionals with the strategic insight, practical tools, and leadership capabilities needed to drive innovation and long-term growth.”
“This collaboration ensures that learning is grounded in real-world challenges, giving apprentices the opportunity to immediately apply their learning in the workplace. The outcome is tangible business value for Ford, alongside a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship and a Level 7 Diploma from the Chartered Management Institute. By working closely with Ford, we can tailor aspects of the programme to align with business priorities — ensuring this is a strategic investment in people and future leadership.”
A Cohort Built on Collaboration
The cohort includes not only senior leaders from Ford, but also participants from a diverse mix of sectors, creating a powerful opportunity for cross-industry networking and shared learning.
Tim Amos, a Senior Leader Apprentice and Director at SEATS, shared his experience:
“The Cranfield team have been incredibly welcoming and clearly focused on supporting students throughout the programme. The group of 60 learners — with around 30 from Ford — creates a rich learning environment that blends internal knowledge with external perspectives.”
“A key challenge so far is balancing workload with study, and adapting to the academic style of writing, which differs from the business-oriented language I’m used to. That said, the support from SEATS and Cranfield has been outstanding.”
Liz Storey, Managing Director at SEATS, added:
“We are incredibly proud to support this collaboration between Cranfield and Ford. It’s a shining example of what can be achieved when academia and industry align with purpose and precision. At SEATS, our role is to help employers navigate the training landscape and unlock the full potential of their people — and this partnership is proof of how powerful that can be when it works well.”
Looking Ahead
This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when education providers, training brokers and employers work closely together. SEATS is proud to play a role in bringing together academic rigour and industry insight to support senior leaders in their career development.
We look forward to continuing this collaboration and supporting many more professionals to gain advanced qualifications, strengthen their leadership and make a lasting impact in their organisations.
About SEATS
SEATS is a training and skills brokerage, helping employers across sectors access high-quality, often fully funded apprenticeship training and professional development.
If you’re interested in how SEATS can support your organisation, please contact us.