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Coventry University expands partnership with WildHearts to boost social impact through apprenticeships
The university will work alongside WildHearts to deliver a reimagined CMDA programme
Business news / Apprenticeships
Tuesday 15 July 2025
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Coventry University is expanding its innovative partnership with the WildHearts Group, the world’s leading B2B social business to offer a new wave of socially conscious degree apprenticeships aimed at developing the next generation of ethical business leaders.
Building on a successful pilot programme with global brand Nestlé, the university will work alongside WildHearts to deliver a reimagined Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) programme from September 2025. The partnership combines Coventry University’s academic expertise with WildHearts’ award-winning social enterprise and corporate training model, bringing a unique blend of leadership development and social value into the classroom.
In a partnership like this, there is so much value because everybody wins. We have a partner that has access and networks around the world and bring in top leaders to teach our students which is an amazing thing, something that we couldn't do easily on our own.
Ultimately it is about the learner and what they get out of their apprenticeship that makes a real difference to themselves as a whole person, not just as a leader. They go out in the world delivering really good outcomes, not just for their company but for their communities and their regions and their countries.
Aidan Friend, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Better Futures Apprenticeships
Through this expanded collaboration, Coventry University students will benefit from direct input by senior leaders from multinational companies such as Barclays, Zurich, Siemens, Linklaters and Nestlé. WildHearts brings global thought leaders into the classroom to share real-world perspectives on responsible leadership and sustainability, something not typically available through traditional degree routes.
The revised CMDA programme has been co-designed by Coventry University and WildHearts to ensure seamless collaboration across modules. While Coventry University remains the registered training provider, WildHearts plays an integral role in module delivery and co-development, ensuring students gain practical leadership skills rooted in ethical business practices.
The initiative is also opening doors to new corporate clients who want to upskill team leaders, middle managers and senior professionals through an apprenticeship model that prioritises both performance and purpose.
In the future, the collaboration could span across other apprenticeship standards such as the Operations Manager and Team Leader apprenticeships, further strengthening the university’s commitment to inclusive, values-driven leadership education.
Find out more about apprenticeships at Coventry University.
