Introduction

An operations/departmental manager is someone who leads teams and/or projects, and achieving operational or departmental and goals and objectives, as part of the delivery of the organisations strategy. Working in the private, public or third sector and in all sizes of organisation, specific responsibilities and job titles will vary, but the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed will be the same. Roles may include: Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Divisional Manager, Department Manager and specialist managers. Key responsibilities may include creating and delivering operational plans, managing projects, leading and managing teams, leading and managing change, financial and resource management, talent management, coaching and mentoring.

Entry requirements

To start this apprenticeship, you should have substantial workplace experience in a lower management setting and potentially hold a level 3 Management or business-related qualification. Applicants will typically have already achieved English and maths at GCSE grade C or equivalent. If not, you also be assessed to ensure you have the ability to complete the English and maths qualifications at level 2.

Functional skills

It is anticipated that functional skills will not be required due to the entry criteria but should this need to be undertaken Functional Skills level 2 in English and maths will need to be achieved prior to completion of the apprenticeship. Development of further English and maths skills will continue for the whole of the apprenticeship.

End point assessment

The End Point Assessment comprises a range of assessment methods, to build in rigour and ensure that all components of the Standard have been fully tested and met. Methods include Knowledge Test, Structured Competency Based Interview, Assessment of portfolio of evidence, Presentation on Work based Project with Q&A session.

Progression

On completion, apprentices can register as full members with the Chartered Management Institute and/or the Institute of Leadership & Management, and those with 3 years of management experience can apply for Chartered Manager status through the CMI. Progression options include a range of qualifications and levels:

• ILM Level 6 Award in Management
• Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship where successful apprentices will achieve a degree in management and business [either BA (Hons); BSc (Hons) or BBA (Hons)
• ILM Level 7 Qualifications in Leadership and Management

Funding

This apprenticeship is in funding band 9. Levy paying employers may fund apprentices on this programme from their Apprenticeship Account and non-levy paying SMEs through the co-funded option. There may be a small fee for some SME’s. This apprenticeship standard is set at level 5.

Duration

This apprenticeship is expected to last between 24 – 30 months. It is a 2 year training programme to embed the ILM Level 5 diploma:

• Months 1-18: 10 workshops will deliver the required management knowledge and theories. Months 19-24: focus on the Work based project and presentation
• Months 24+ Book and prepare for the End Point Assessment