Leeds City Council Case Study.

>> Executive Summary

Leeds City Council sought to enhance project management capability across its Highways and Transportation department and wider City Development teams, aiming to build a shared language, consistent delivery standards, and a more mature project management culture. What began as a face-to-face Project Management Qualification (PMQ) programme evolved into a long-term strategic partnership when the introduction of the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship – combined with the disruption of COVID-19 – required a rapid shift in delivery approach.

PL Projects responded with agility, transitioning the entire programme to a virtual classroom model with minimal interruption while simultaneously redesigning the structure to align with the new apprenticeship pathway. By partnering with a further education college, upskilling trainers, and integrating apprenticeship requirements seamlessly into existing PMQ-based learning, PL Projects ensured continuity, compliance, and an engaging learner experience throughout a period of uncertainty.

Over five years, this partnership has grown into a sustainable, high-impact development programme with more than 100 apprentices enrolled, two annual cohorts, and a learning culture that now sees former apprentices mentoring new ones. Through robust training delivery, ongoing capability building, and continuous stakeholder engagement – including the establishment of an Employer Working Group – PL Projects has helped Leeds City Council embed professional project management behaviours, strengthen internal PMO capability, and cultivate a pipeline of skilled practitioners who are shaping the Council’s transformation ambitions.

This case study demonstrates PL Projects’ ability to deliver resilient, scalable training programmes that adapt to organisational needs while driving long-term improvements in project management maturity.

The client.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest local authorities in the UK, responsible for delivering a wide range of services to over 800,000 residents across the city. As a major unitary authority, it oversees essential functions including transport, infrastructure, education, planning, housing, and community services. With thousands of employees operating across diverse directorates, the Council continues to drive significant transformation programmes to improve service delivery, operational efficiency, and long-term city development.

Within this context, the Highways and Transportation department – alongside teams across City Development – identified the need to build stronger, more consistent project management capability. As the scale and complexity of capital projects, infrastructure programmes, and strategic change initiatives increased, the Council sought a structured, professional approach to developing its workforce. Strengthening project management knowledge, embedding common standards, and creating a shared delivery language became essential to improving outcomes and enabling more coordinated, effective programme delivery across the organisation.

To support this ambition, Leeds City Council partnered with PL Projects to deliver professional project management training and, later, a full apprenticeship programme that could be scaled, sustained, and aligned with evolving organisational needs.

The Challenge. 

Leeds City Council’s Highways and Transportation department and teams from City Development were keen to improve the knowledge and skills of their employees in project management with professional qualifications.  This would allow language and understanding to be aligned through delivery teams, therefore creating a shared approach to programme and project delivery.   

At the outset, employees were chosen based on their roles to attend the Project Management Qualification (PMQ) which was delivered face to face using, at that time, the Body of Knowledge 6 syllabus.  The funding from this course came from individual teams. 

In 2019/20 the landscape changed twofold: firstly, the newly approved Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship was released with the PMQ as a mandatory on-programme achievement, and secondly, COVID-19 change working patterns nationally.   

PL Projects moved with agility to switch the programme delivery modes and switch to virtual classroom style learning with only one week disruption to the learners.  Five years on, PL Projects continue to be the preferred training provider for this apprenticeship, and have successfully have over 100 starts with Leeds City Council.  

The Solution. 

Moving to an apprenticeship delivery model: 

We approached and partnered with a further education college that allowed us to link to existing apprenticeship systems to facilitate the learner’s enrolment onto the programme.  We identified trainers to undertake the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement to ensure compliance with education and quality standards.  The design of the new programme tied seamlessly into the PMQ front loaded material and no disruption was noted by the learners. 

Switching from face to face to a virtual classroom 

With only one week postponed whilst everyone found their new way of working, PL Projects were able to source a suitable virtual classroom platform and engage the learners in the new style of delivery.  Keeping momentum of the class was crucial to ensure a successful outcome, and the trainers worked incredibly hard with this. 

Continuing the Council apprenticeship provision 

PL Projects retain the relationship with the College, and continue delivery for Leeds City Council.  One cohort per year was increased to two a year from 2024, and in February 2026 we will take on our tenth cohort.  Throughout the apprenticeship delivery, Government updates have had to keep the training team flexible to change and ensure clear communication to the learners and employers. 

The Outcome. 

A circle of learning 

Apprentices that have completed their learning are now being mentors to the current apprentices.  This learning cycle is incredibly valuable to teams, and the knowledge from the apprenticeship is being integrated into team delivery and behaviours.  One newly formed PMO transformation team has brought together six previous apprentices across four cohorts, which makes us very proud! 

Ongoing support 

To ensure long-term sustainability, and to ensure a relevant apprenticeship for the Council, PL Projects set up the first Employers Working Group in 2023, to garner the views and feedback from mentors and line managers to ensure that the learning and teaching are beneficial to teams. 

Visibility  

Every year, as part of National Apprenticeship Week, we are able to share in the success of our apprentices – nominating them for individual awards, and recognising their mentors.  Every year, at least one of them is rewarded with a runner up or winner in their category and we just love shouting it from the roof tops.  Continuing this engagement means that others in the Council will see the benefit of enrolling in the apprenticeship and the skill sets embedded will transform the Council to a mature project management organisation. 

Specific Services Delivered. 

As part of the engagement, PL Projects provided a range of services that supported both programme design and continued PM capabilities. These included: 

• Apprenticeship design: Development of detailed programme that included review points, hold points, learning objectives and outcomes.
• Project Management: Leadership of strategic partnership with the College, including change to existing learning systems.
• Training and Capability Building: Ongoing training, coaching, and development sessions to embed project management best practices within Leeds City Council’s internal teams.

By delivering these targeted services, PL Projects supported Leeds City Council to initiate and continue to build project management maturity into teams, and more widely now into services.  

Conclusion:

PL Projects’ long-term partnership with Leeds City Council demonstrates the impact of consistent, high-quality project management training delivered with flexibility, commitment, and a learner-centred approach. By adapting to changing environments, introducing a scalable apprenticeship model, and nurturing a culture of continuous development, we have helped the Council strengthen its internal capability and embed professional project management practices across teams.

Today, apprentices are progressing into mentors, departments are benefiting from aligned delivery approaches, and the Council is building a more mature, future-ready project management community. This collaboration reflects our core belief: investing in people drives stronger outcomes for organisations – and we remain proud to support Leeds City Council on its ongoing journey of professional growth and transformation.

This case study also demonstrates how PL Projects’ long-term relationship with Leeds City Council has continued to grow even through challenges in delivery and working environments.  The development and capability building of their employees remains a key focus of PL Projects, contributing to the regional economy in a place close to our hearts – West Yorkshire.

Why PL Projects: A Trusted Partner in Project Management Capability Building.

PL Projects has established a strong reputation as a leading provider of project management training, professional development, and apprenticeship programmes. Our long-term partnership with Leeds City Council reflects our commitment to building practical, sustainable capability within public sector organisations through high-quality learning experiences and dedicated learner support.

1. Specialists in Professional Project Management Training
   We deliver accredited, industry-recognised qualifications – such as the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) – with a focus on real-world application. Our trainers bring extensive delivery experience, ensuring that learners gain not just theoretical understanding, but practical insights that immediately enhance their day-to-day project work.
   
2. Proven Expertise in Apprenticeship Delivery
   As early adopters of the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship, we have built a robust, fully compliant delivery model that integrates seamlessly with organisational structures. For Leeds City Council, this meant a smooth transition from standalone training courses to a scalable apprenticeship programme that has now supported over 100 learners.
   
3. Flexible, Resilient Delivery Approaches
   Our ability to adapt quickly – switching from face-to-face learning to virtual classrooms within just one week during the COVID-19 pandemic – ensured uninterrupted progress for Council learners. This agility allows us to continue delivering high-quality training regardless of changing circumstances or operational constraints.
   
4. Dedicated Learner Support and Engagement
   We take a holistic approach to learner success, offering coaching, mentoring, progress checkpoints, and clear communication throughout the programme. This learner-first attitude has contributed to strong achievement rates and high levels of engagement across multiple cohorts.
   
5. Strengthening Internal Capability and Career Progression
   Our programmes do more than deliver qualifications – they build confidence, improve project delivery capability, and support long-term career development. At Leeds City Council, former apprentices are now mentoring new learners, strengthening internal capability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
   
6. Collaborative, Long-Term Partnership Approach
   Our relationship with Leeds City Council is built on trust, transparency, and genuine collaboration. We work closely with employers, line managers, and educational partners to ensure training remains relevant, aligned to organisational needs, and responsive to government or industry changes.
   
7. Commitment to Public Sector Improvement
   As a company rooted in West Yorkshire, we take pride in supporting the ongoing development of the region’s public sector workforce. Our partnership with Leeds City Council reflects our dedication to improving local capability, strengthening service delivery, and contributing to the wider regional economy.

Exceptional project delivery – more happy clients.

These are just a few of the great things our clients have said about us! We have even more testimonials from leading companies, praising our expert project management delivery, PMO excellence, planning, governance, and controls. Our accredited training and dedicated training team have also received fantastic feedback. See what our clients say about how we’ve helped them achieve project success – click below to read more!